Winging of scapula is due to which of these conditions?
**Core Concept:** Scapular winging is a clinical sign characterized by the upward and forward displacement of the medial border of the scapula on the thorax. It is often seen in patients with spinal cord injuries or upper motor neuron disorders.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is related to upper motor neuron disorders because these conditions affect the motor neurons of the spinal cord or brain that control the muscles of the scapular girdle (scapular stabilizers and elevators). In these disorders, the motor neurons are impaired, leading to decreased muscle function and strength. As a result, the scapular girdle muscles are unable to effectively stabilize the scapula, leading to the scapular winging sign.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Involuntary movements (e.g., tremors)**: Involuntary movements are different from scapular winging, which is a result of impaired motor neuron function.
B. **Muscle imbalance (e.g., from myopathies)**: While muscle imbalances can contribute to scapular winging, the primary cause is impaired motor neuron function rather than a direct muscle imbalance.
C. **Incomplete spinal cord injury (e.g., spinal cord contusion)**: The impairment of motor neurons in spinal cord injuries is the primary cause of scapular winging, irrespective of the spinal cord injury's completeness.
D. **Tendon contractures (e.g., from neuropathies)**: Tendon contractures are the result of nerve damage, not motor neuron impairment. Scapular winging is typically associated with upper motor neuron disorders affecting motor neurons.
**Clinical Pearl:** Scapular winging is a clinical sign that can help differentiate between various neurological conditions. It is not specific to any particular disease, but can be associated with conditions affecting upper motor neurons, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Understanding the underlying pathology can aid in narrowing down the differential diagnosis, guiding further investigations, and appropriate management.