What happens when the long thoracic nerve is damaged?

Damage of the long thoracic nerve may result in abnormal protruding of the scapula or shoulder blade, commonly known as winged scapula. Moreover, long thoracic nerve may be linked with parsonage-turner syndrome, a condition that is caused due to its inflammation or immune-mediated pathway.

What causes long thoracic nerve palsy?

When the muscle paralysis is thought to be due to a electrical wiring (neurogenic) problem, the condition is called long thoracic nerve palsy. This could arise as a result of: Trauma to the nerve itself (including surgery to the chest wall) Inflammation affecting the nerve (neuritis or neuralgic amyotrophy)

Is long thoracic nerve palsy permanent?

Some patients may be left with some residual scapula weakness due to incomplete healing of the nerve(1,5). Axonal regeneration occurs at a rate of approximately 1mm per day; if the LTN palsy is not resolved by 24 months therefore, the paralysis is likely permanent and surgery may be required(1,7).

How do you release the long thoracic nerve?

Long Thoracic Nerve (LTN) release is a surgery performed to reduce compression on the long thoracic nerve….Physiotherapy before Long Thoracic Nerve Release

1. Cryotherapy (Ice)
2. Pain management.
3. Strengthening surrounding musculature.
4. Massage.
5. Myofascial release.
6. Advice on surgery and post surgical management.

How do you test for long thoracic nerve damage?

The test for identifying a long thoracic nerve injury is the ‘serratus wall test’. The patient is asked to face a wall, standing about two feet from the wall and then push against the wall with flat palms at waist level.

How do you treat thoracic nerve pain?

In mild cases, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and stretching exercises may be enough to relieve the symptoms of thoracic nerve root entrapment. Your doctor may also recommend injections, such as facet injections, nerve blocks or an epidural.

How common is long thoracic nerve injury?

Winging of the scapula due to long thoracic nerve palsy is a common diagnosis [1–10] and a significant functional problem, not simply an aesthetic issue.

How long does it take for the long thoracic nerve to heal?

Long thoracic nerve dysfunction may result from trauma or may occur without injury. Fortunately, most patients experience a return of serratus anterior function with conservative treatment, but recovery may take as many as 2 years. Bracing often is tolerated poorly.

What does thoracic nerve pain feel like?

Individuals with a thoracic pinched nerve often experience some of the following symptoms: Pain in the middle of the back. Pain that radiates to the front of the chest or shoulder. Numbness or tingling that extends from the back into the upper chest.

What parts of the body are controlled by the thoracic spine?

The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen.

What does it mean to have long thoracic nerve palsy?

The electrical signals to control the serratus anterior muscle are transmitted via the long thoracic nerve (LTN). When the muscle paralysis is thought to be due to a electrical wiring (neurogenic) problem, the condition is called long thoracic nerve palsy.

What happens if you have a long thoracic nerve injury?

Injury to the long thoracic nerve causing paralysis or weakness of the serratus anterior muscle can be disabling. Patients with serratus palsy may present with pain, weakness, limitation of shoulder elevation, and scapular winging with medial translation of the scapula, rotation of the inferior angl …

After eight to 10 weeks, gentle progressive strengthening of the new tendon can begin, with full recovery of shoulder motion and strength expected about six to 12 months after surgery. Understanding the anatomy and function of the long thoracic nerve can help you make informed healthcare decisions after an injury to the nerve.

Where does the long thoracic nerve come from?

The long thoracic nerve is also referred to as the posterior thoracic nerve or the external respiratory nerve of Bell. The long thoracic nerve arises from the ventral rami of cervical nerves C5, C6, and C7. 1  In some people, the root from C7 is absent, and in others, there is a small root of the nerve arising from C8.