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Child's Nervous System

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01-02-2007 | Case Report

Winged scapula as the presenting symptom of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia

Authors: R. Shane Tubbs, W. Jerry Oakes

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

Case report

We report a 19-year-old girl with a 4-month history of an inability to fully elevate her upper extremity past the horizontal position. Physical examination revealed a winged scapula. MRI was demonstrative of a Chiari I malformation with a small cervical syrinx eccentrically placed to the same side as the dysfunctional extremity.

Discussion

We believe this to be the first report of dysfunction of the long thoracic nerve via a hindbrain hernia-induced syrinx with a resultant winged scapula. We would hypothesize that enough anterior horn motor neurons and their axons destined for the long thoracic nerve were injured by the syringomyelia to result in isolated deinnervation of the serratus anterior muscle.

Conclusion

The clinician may wish to include syringomyelia in the differential diagnosis of a winged scapula.

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Title: Winged scapula as the presenting symptom of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia
Authors: R. Shane Tubbs
W. Jerry Oakes
Publication date: 01-02-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-006-0215-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Winged scapula as the presenting symptom of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia

Abstract

Case report

Discussion

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Case report

Discussion

Conclusion

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