Scapulopexy of winged scapula secondary to facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Abstract

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is an hereditary disease that causes weakness of the scapulothoracic muscles and leads to winged scapula. Patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy are unable to sustain shoulder abduction or flexion and are limited in daily activities. We retrospectively reviewed nine patients (18 procedures) who had scapulothoracic fixation without arthrodesis (scapulopexy). The technique consists of repositioning the scapula over the rib cage and fixation to four ribs with metal wires. We assessed improvement in range of motion of the shoulder, maintenance of the correction with time, and cosmetic and functional results. The average age of the patients at surgery was 25.2 years (range, 15-35 years), and there were no major complications. The average followup was 9.9 years (range, 3-16 years). All patients had complete resolution of the winged scapula and improved range of motion. Arm abduction increased from an average of 68.3 degrees (range, 45 degrees-90 degrees) preoperatively to 96.1 degrees (range, 60 degrees-120 degrees) postoperatively. Arm flexion increased from an average of 57.2 degrees (range, 45 degrees-90 degrees) preoperatively to 116.1 degrees (range, 80 degrees-180 degrees) postoperatively. The position of the scapula obtained by surgery was maintained with time, and the patients had satisfactory cosmetic results.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.