Long Thoracic Nerve Injury Related with Excessive Aerobics

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2003;5(1):44-47.
Published online May 10, 2003.

Abstract

Patients with serratus anterior palsy may be present with pain, weakness, limitation of shoulder elevation, and scapular winging with medial translation of the scapula and rotation of the inferior angle toward the mid-line. A 46-year-old woman who has done an hour of aerobics complained of prominence of the right scapula. There was no history of recent viral illness, immunization, or exposure to toxic materials. Physical examination showed posterior winging of the right scapula when she reached forward. Electrodiagnostic evaluation was performed and the compound muscle action potential obtained from the right serratus anterior revealed prolonged onset latency and decreased amplitude. Concentric needle electromyography (EMG) demonstrated abnormal spontaneous activity in the right serratus anterior muscle, with a decreased number of voluntary motor unit action potentials. Other muscles examined, including the trapezius and cervical paraspinals, were normal.

Key Words: Long thoracic nerve injury, Serratus anterior palsy, Electrodiagnostic evaluation