A male patient presented with winging of scapula following a trauma. Nerve involved in this lesion is?
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the anatomical relationship between nerves and muscles of the shoulder girdle, specifically those involved in scapular stabilization. The **long thoracic nerve** and **spinal accessory nerve** play crucial roles in this context.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The **long thoracic nerve**, which innervates the **serratus anterior muscle**, is responsible for preventing the scapula from winging outward. Damage to this nerve can lead to weakness of the serratus anterior, resulting in the scapula protruding outward, especially when the patient pushes against resistance.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because it is not directly related to the specific action of preventing scapular winging.
**Option B:** Incorrect as it is not the primary nerve involved in this specific lesion.
**Option D:** Incorrect because, although important for shoulder function, it is not directly responsible for the winging of the scapula.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the **long thoracic nerve** is vulnerable to injury due to its long, superficial course along the thoracic wall, making it susceptible to trauma or surgical damage.
**Correct Answer:** C. Long thoracic nerve.