A cause not to be underestimated in the development of winged scapula: sports-related injuries

Winged scapula (WS) is characterized by the medial and/or inferior border of the scapula protruding from the thoracic wall. The aetiologies include sports activities, trauma, surgical complications, infections and muscular dystrophies. In our study, we aim to describe the electrophysiological and clinical features of patients referred to our clinic with a preliminary diagnosis of winged scapula and to identify the causes of WS. Between 2009 and 2021, a retrospective analysis was performed of the neurophysiological studies and clinical data of patients who presented with a preliminary diagnosis of winged scapula, long thoracic nerve and/or accessory nerve lesions. Of the 81 patients examined, 27 were found to have nerve damage. A retrospective review of the medical history of these 27 patients revealed that 37% (11 patients) had sports-related injuries as the cause of scapular winging. In addition, scapular winging was found in 4% (1 patient) due to heavy lifting without regular sport activity. We found that 80% of patients with sports-related injuries had a history of weightlifting. This study presents a relatively large number of patients with winged scapula. It was found that weightlifting and bodybuilding in particular play a significant role in the aetiology of WS.