Postoperative Medial Scapular Winging in a Patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and Capsulorrhaphy

Case Scapular winging is a shoulder disorder that results in the prominence of the scapula's medial or lateral border leading to pain, loss of strength, and cosmetic irregularities. The most common type is medial scapular winging, caused by damage to the long thoracic nerve and dysfunction of the serratus anterior muscle. We present a case of postoperative medial scapular winging from a long thoracic nerve palsy in an 18-year-old female with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) after an arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsulorrhaphy for chronic shoulder instability. Conclusion We postulate that multiple factors, including an interscalene nerve block, intraoperative shoulder traction of 10 pounds, and inherent joint hypermobility secondary to EDS, either acting in combination with additive effects or independently contributed to this patient’s long thoracic nerve injury. Understanding the potential for altered shoulder mechanics in EDS patients is crucial for developing preventive strategies and optimizing outcomes in patients with hypermobility disorders.