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Scapulothoracic stabilisation for winging of the scapula using strips of autogenous fascia lata

University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

M. Majd, MD, Former Fellow

Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Micro Surgery, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Correspondence should be sent to Dr E. Atasoy at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute, 225 Abraham Flexner Way, Suite 810, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.

We have used a modified technique in five patients to correct winging of the scapula caused by injury to the brachial plexus or the long thoracic nerve during transaxillary resection of the first rib. The procedure stabilises the scapulothoracic articulation by using strips of autogenous fascia lata wrapped around the 4th, 6th and 7th ribs at least two, and preferably three, times.

The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 38 years (26 to 47) and the mean follow-up six years and four months (three years and three months to 11 years). Satisfactory stability was achieved in all patients with considerable improvement in shoulder function. There were no complications.