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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Case report

Isolated long thoracic nerve paralysis - a rare complication of anterior spinal surgery: a case report

Authors: Ebrahim Ameri, Hamid Behtash, Farzad Omidi-Kashani

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Introduction

Isolated long thoracic nerve injury causes paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle. Patients with serratus anterior palsy may present with periscapular pain, weakness, limitation of shoulder elevation and scapular winging.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 23-year-old woman who sustained isolated long thoracic nerve palsy during anterior spinal surgery which caused external compressive force on the nerve.

Conclusion

During positioning of patients into the lateral decubitus position, the course of the long thoracic nerve must be attended to carefully and the nerve should be protected from any external pressure.
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Metadata
Title
Isolated long thoracic nerve paralysis - a rare complication of anterior spinal surgery: a case report
Authors
Ebrahim Ameri
Hamid Behtash
Farzad Omidi-Kashani
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7366

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