Scapular Dyskinesis

Scapula Dyskinesis is an umbrella term for conditions that alter Scapula kinematics and has been described as a non-specific response to Pain experienced in The Shoulder Girdle region (SOURCE-1). While several attempts have been made to distinguish distinct types of Scapular Dyskinesis, it is generally present as one or a combination of Scapular Winging and Scapular Tilting .


Pathomechanics

The underlying cause(s) of Scapular Dyskinesis can typically be classified as one or a combination of altered tone and/ or recruitment of the following structures:

Muscle

Connective Tissue

Nerve - Through innervation of the aforementioned musculature, a Nerve Root Radiculopathy or Peripheral Nerve Neuropathy have the capacity to cause Scapular Dyskinesis:

Additionally, exacerbated curvature(s) of the Vertebral Column have been shown to affect Scapula posture, leading to a cascade of reduced local muscle capacity and consequently disturbed Shoulder - Active Range of Motion (SOURCE-3):

Chronic Scapular Dyskinesis has the capacity to disturb mechanics of The Shoulder Girdle and Vertebral Column via diverging mechanisms (SOURCE-3):

  • Narrowing of the Subacromial Space - which may cause or perpetuate symptoms of Secondary Subacromial Impingement

  • Threatening the fulcrum of the Head of the Humerus in the Glenoid Fossa - which may cause or further perpetuate Glenohumeral Instability

  • Increased Compressive/ Sheer forces at the Cervical Spine

  • Disturbed functional kinetic chain - forcing other structures to compensate

Risk Factors

  • Overhead Throwing Athletes - an almost two-fold greater prevalence of Scapular Dyskinesis was reported in overhead throwing athletes when compared to other athletes (SOURCE-24)

  • Repetitive Overhead Work

Prevalence

While determining the prevalence of Scapular Dyskinesis is difficult as studies lack a standardisation of diagnostic criteria, it appears to have a high prevalence in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. In the general population, Scapular Dyskinesis is present in ~60% of symptomatic individuals and a notable ~48% of asymptomatic individuals (SOURCE-25). Athletic individuals or those who have shoulder demanding jobs such as musicians have a higher symptomatic prevelence at ~81% (SOURCE-25). Converesely for individuals of this same subgroup who were asymptomatic, there was a wide ranging prevalence from 20-92% (~42% average) which suggests Scapular Dyskinesis may be a non-pathological adaptation to certain sports, in particular those that regularly engaged in overhead activity (SOURCE-25).


Pathology

Scapular Dyskinesis has been described as a non-specific response to Pain in The Shoulder Girdle , with dyskinesis often occurring concomitantly with other shoulder pathologies (SOURCE-1+24). Protective compensatory mechanisms that may be beneficial in the short term can fester into pathomechanics that perpetuate symptoms (SOURCE-3). While specific patterns of dysfunction such as Scapular Winging and Scapular Tilting are standalone conditions; Dyskinesis can be derived from other conditions, play a causative role or occur concomitantly:

Subacromial Impingement - individuals displaying Scapula Dyskinesis have been shown to have a reduced Subacromial space (SORUCE-1). For impingement and Rotator Cuff pathologies alike, there is a strong association with altered Scapula kinematics. However, the precise abnormal motion varies and is likely to be contingent on the implicated soft tissue or severity. Decreased Scapulothoracic Joint - Upward Rotation and Posterior Scapular Tilting during shoulder elevation appear to be the most consistent findings; while increased Internal Rotation was also reported (SOURCE-4)

Rotator Cuff Pathology - Either a predisposing factor or sequela of a Rotator Cuff Tear or Tendinopathy is altered positioning and Motor Control of the Scapula (SOURCE-1). Scapular instability has been identified in as many as 68% of Rotator Cuff pathologies which may provide direction for treatment (SOURCE-2). Excessive Scapulothoracic Joint - Upward Rotation during arm elevation is a common presentation and is thought to be a compensatory mechanism for insufficient Rotator Cuff action (SOURCE-4). Like Impingement, the exact pathomechanic pattern is likely contingent on the specific tissue, severity, etc.

Glenoid Labrum Tear - abnormal positioning of the Scapula affects Glenohumeral Joint alignment which has the capacity to increase stress on the Glenoid Labrum (SOURCE-19)

Biceps Brachii - in response to altered Scapulohumeral Rhythm , activation of the Biceps generally increases as a compensatory mechnism to regain stability (SOURCE-27). With increasing chronicity, Scapular Dyskinesis and associated Glenohumeral Instability leave the already vulnerable Long Head of Biceps Tendon subject to further injury and may perpetuate a narrowing of the subacromial space (SOURCE-27). Scapular Dyskinesis during overhead throwing movements increases the posterior “peel-back” of the Long Head of Biceps on the Glenoid Labrum (SOURCE-27)

Adhesive Capsulitis - insufficient movement at the Glenohumeral Joint is compensated for with excessive Scapulothoracic Joint - Upward Rotation (SOURCE-6+19)

Cervical Spine Pathology - muscular connections through theAxio-Scapular muscles( Levator Scapulae and Trapezius ) and various Fascia l connections make interaction between the Scapula and Cervical spine plausible (SOURCE-7+ 8 +9+10)

Glenohumeral Instability - as displayed in Scapulohumeral Rhythm , the Scapulothoracic Joint and Glenohumeral Joint share the complex but coordinated task of appropriately positioning the Glenoid Fossa to maximise stability of The Shoulder Girdle in a highly mobile environment. Insufficiency from one joint appears to be compensated for by the other, however this appears to come at the expense of movement quality and may compromise associated soft-tissues. Glenohumeral Instability often results in reduced Scapulothoracic Joint - Upward Rotation and a corresponding increase in Scapulothoracic Joint - Protraction , particularly if instability is multidirectional (SOURCE-19).

Clavicle Fracture - structural shortening from mal or non-union requires additional Anterior Scapular Tilting and Internal Rotation to maintain adequate Scapula mechanics (SOURCE-19).

Acromioclavicular Joint Pathology - severe injury may lead to inferomedial displacement of the Scapula relative to the Clavicle due to disturbed clavicular mechanics. Consequent disruption to the Scapula ’s axis of rotation may lead to excessive Internal Rotation and Scapulothoracic Joint - Protraction (SOURCE-19).


Assessment

Observation

This details dynamic observation of the Scapula during various pathokinematic patterns, for observation at rest see Scapula , for the observation of optimal patterns see Scapulothoracic Joint and Scapulohumeral Rhythm . While several attempts have been made to classify and quantify the extent of Dyskinesis (SOURCE-1), the observations remain relatively consistent:

While comparison should be made to the asymptomatic side, it is important to note asymmetry is common (SOURCE-1). Other observable findings include abnormal curvature of the Vertebral Column such as Thoracic Spine Kyphosis or Cervical Spine Lordosis (SOURCE-19).

Range of Motion

Shoulder - Active Range of Motion - most Pain ful motions should be performed last (SOURCE-15):

Length Testing

Muscle length testing for the following muscles is likely indicated:

Strength Testing

Manual Muscle Testing of the following muscles may be indicated:

Orthopaedic Tests

The following Shoulder - Special Tests may be relevant in the diagnosis of Dyskinesis:

Similarly, other Shoulder - Special Tests can be used to evaluate contribution from the Rotator Cuff .

Palpation

In this context palpation can be used to determine relative muscular or Fascia l tone, signs of Inflammation or Pain / tenderness. The following Muscles may assist in assessment of Scapular Dyskinesis:


Treatment

While treatment is contingent on the aetiology, the majority of Scapular Dyskinesis cases can expect sufficient recovery with conservative management alone. Significant amelioration of Pain and impaired function has been reported within 6 weeks; however, a full recovery may take months up to years (SOURCE-17+19+20). Conservative treatment guidelines can generally be split into three phases, distinguished by their treatment recommendations and desirable outcomes (SOURCE-21):

  • Initial Phase (0-3 weeks) - painful movements and positions should be avoided with the aim of reducing excessive Inflammation to relieve pain/ swelling. Mobilisation of soft-tissues through myofascial release or stretching may be indicated. When tolerated, early-phase strengthening exercises may be introduced to slow muscle atrophy and promote mobility. These exercises, for the most part, should be restricted to isometric Muscle Contraction s, closed-chain and low Range of Motion exercises

  • Recovery Phase (3-8 weeks) - while being mindful of extreme ranges or positions, this phase aims to restore painless range of motion and muscle strength. Starting with basic, closed-chain exercises, range of motion and load can be progressed

  • Maintenance Phase (6-10 weeks) - quality Scapulohumeral Rhythm should be present, which serves as a benchmark for the initiation of mid-to-late phase strengthening exercises. This may include plyometric exercises and should include exercises that emphasise a large range of motion overhead. The goal of this phase is to improve Proprioception and Muscle Performance through integrating functional patterns

Stretching

Stretching of the Scapulothoracic Joint musculature has been shown to improve position of the Scapula (SOURCE-1). If not specified below, stretches can be found on their respective pages (SOURCE-3+28):

Strengthening

In a similar fashion to streching, exercise therapy fails to display a consistent positive effect on Scapular Dyskinesis yet appears to aid with associated Pain and disability (SOURCE-22). This may at least in part be attributed the standardisation of exercise protocols used in controlled studies that fails to meet the subjective needs of each test subject, as dysfunction of the Rotator Cuff is highly related to pathologies of the Scapula (SOURCE-2). Further, some studies have found strength training of the Scapulothoracic Joint musculature to improve position of the Scapula (SOURCE-1). Of particular focus are the following motions; Scapulothoracic Joint - Retraction , Posterior Tilting and External Rotation (SOURCE-26). In the initial phase training volume should be monitored, as training Scapular stabilisers to the point of fatigue may perpetuate its malposture (SOURCE-2). Generally speaking the following muscle groups should be emphasised with consideration to their function and relations (SOURCE-21+3):

Initial-Phase- initiate activation of weak/ dysfunctional muscles through the use of Isometric and Isotonic Muscle Contraction s, operating within pain-free ranges (SOURCE-2+3+26):

Mid-Phase- once little-to-no Pain is present when the arm is elevated, the patient may begin to increase Range of Motion and progress to strengthening of the Scapulothoracic Joint musculature (SOURCE-2+3+26):

  • Scapular Pinches - Swiss Robbery Pinches w/ DB’s variation - isometric, moderate load Scapular retraction exercise

  • Push-Up / Push-Up Plus - isotonic bodyweight exercise that integrates basic functional patterns while emphasising scapular protractors

  • Seated Row - or High Row variation - moderate-to-high load isotonic Scapula retraction exercise

  • Lat Pulldown - isotonic exercise that promotes downwards rotators of Scapula

  • Reverse Woodchopper - isotonic exercise that emphasises Serratus Anterior and Mid/Low Trapezius through a movement that promotes Scapulohumeral Rhythm

  • Manually Resisted Scapular Motions - resistance applied by practitioner to emphasise desired motion

  • Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Walk - emphasises Scapular Stabilisers

  • Overhead Press - isotonic strength exercise that approaches maximum range overhead

  • DB Shoulder Press - overhead press variation that loads each side independently

Late-Phase- with adequate strength and range attained, patients should be progressed to exercises that more closely reflect activities of daily living or sport. As recovery progresses so too will range of motion, intensity and speed; while exercise selection extends beyond the environment local to the Scapula to incorporate functional patterns or address other predisposing malpostures such as Thoracic Spine Kyphosis or Forward Head Posture (SOURCE-2+3+26):

Mobilisations

Given the multifaceted and often concomitant origins of Scapular Dyskinesis, Mobilisations of the Scapula, Glenohumeral Joint , Cervical Spine and Thoracic Spine may be relevant. Often a primary focus is the restoration of Scapulothoracic Joint - Retraction , Posterior Tilt and External Rotation of the Scapula (SOURCE-18+26): Joint Play

Mobilisation with Movement

Dry Needling

A preliminary study which compared traditional manual therapy with added Dry Needling found the combined therapy to be significantly more effective in reducing Dyskinesis and its associated Pain and disability (SOURCE-16). A caveat being the the manual therapy group did not include any strengthening exercises which forms an integral part of conventional treatment (SOURCE-17). Needling of the following muscles have been supported and may be relevant in the treatment of Scapular Dyskinesis / Winging (SOURCE-16):


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