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Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 3/2021

01-06-2021 | Physical Therapy | Hot Topics

Scapulothoracic Dyskinesis: A Concept Review

Authors: Toufic R. Jildeh, Daisy A. Ference, Muhammad J. Abbas, Eric X. Jiang, Kelechi R. Okoroha

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 3/2021

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Scapulothoracic dyskinesis (SD) occurs when there is a noticeable disruption in typical position and motion of the scapula, which can result in debilitating pain. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of scapulothoracic dyskinesis by providing an evidence-based overview of clinical exams and treatment modalities available for orthopedic surgeons and provide insight into which treatment modalities require further investigation.

Recent Findings

SD is highly prevalent in athletes, particularly those participating in overhead activities (e.g., baseball, tennis, and swimming) and can coexist with several shoulder pathologies. A holistic approach in the diagnosis of SD has been supported in the literature; however, it is important to recognize that diagnosis is currently limited to the absence of a quantitative SD clinical assessment. The main goal of the treatment of SD is to regain proper scapular positioning and dynamics. The standard of care for the management of SD is conservative interventions aimed at optimizing scapular kinematics. Surgical intervention is only considered in the presence of concomitant pathology requiring surgery.

Summary

Due to the complexity of coordinated movement of the shoulder girdle, recent literature has begun to move away from the use of traditional orthopedic tests, in favor of a more system-based approach for the diagnosis of SD. We present a concise review of clinical exams and treatment modalities available for orthopedic surgeons in the management of SD.
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Metadata
Title
Scapulothoracic Dyskinesis: A Concept Review
Authors
Toufic R. Jildeh
Daisy A. Ference
Muhammad J. Abbas
Eric X. Jiang
Kelechi R. Okoroha
Publication date
01-06-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 3/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-021-09705-8

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