Winged scapula is a rare musculoskeletal condition with numerous etiologies including spinal accessory nerve (SAN) palsy. Sport activities are rarely implicated with few scattered case reports. We report a case of an 18-year-old bodybuilder who suffered SAN palsy secondary to weightlifting exercises. Physical examination revealed winged scapula with painful mobility of the shoulder. A scapular magnetic resonance imaging scan and electromyography of the trapezius muscle were performed and confirmed the diagnosis of SAN palsy. Through this case, we review the literature of common and rare causes of SAN palsy and outline accepted treatment options.
CabonaCZaottiniFPistoiaF, et al. Isolated musculocutaneous nerve involvement in COVID-19 related Neuralgic amyotrophy. Comment on: “Neuralgic amyotrophy and COVID-19 infection: 2 cases of spinal accessory nerve palsy” by Coll et al. Joint Bone Spine 2021;88:105196. Joint Bone Spine. 2021;88(6):105238.
2.
Cambon-BinderAPreureLDubert-KhalifaH, et al. Spinal accessory nerve repair using a direct nerve transfer from the upper trunk: results with 2 years follow-up. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2018;43(6):589-595.
3.
ChanPKHemsTE. Clinical signs of accessory nerve palsy. J Trauma. 2006;60(5):1142-1144.
4.
CoulterJMWarmeWJ. Complete spinal accessory nerve palsy from carrying climbing gear. Wilderness Environ Med. 2015;26(3):384-386.
5.
KabataşSBayrakYCivelekEImerSMHepgülTK. Spinal accessory nerve palsy following gunshot injury: a case report. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2008;14(1):76-78.
KingRJMottaG. Iatrogenic spinal accessory nerve palsy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1983; 65(1):35-37.
8.
NguyenCGuériniHRorenA, et al. Neuromuscular dynamic scapular winging: clinical, electromyographic and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis. [Article in French]Presse Med. 2015; 44(12):1256-1265.
TekinTEgeT. Late-onset spinal accessory nerve palsy after traffic accident: case report. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2012; 18(4):364-366.
12.
TibaekSGadsboellJ. Scapula alata: description of a physical therapy program and its effectiveness measured by a shoulder-specific quality-of-life measurement. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015; 24(3):482-490.
