What condition results from damage to the long thoracic nerve?

• A. Scapular winging
• B. Shoulder dislocation
• C. Frozen shoulder
• D. Rotator cuff tear

Answer: (A)

Damage to the long thoracic nerve leads to a condition known as scapular winging. This nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle, which plays a crucial role in stabilizing the scapula against the thoracic wall during arm movements. When the long thoracic nerve is injured, the function of the serratus anterior muscle is compromised, which results in the scapula protruding away from the rib cage, creating a wing-like appearance. This condition can significantly affect the mechanics of the shoulder and arm, leading to difficulties in lifting the arm overhead or performing other movements that require shoulder stability and strength.

The other conditions listed do not directly arise from long thoracic nerve damage: shoulder dislocation typically involves the glenohumeral joint and not nerve injury, frozen shoulder pertains to adhesive capsulitis affecting joint mobility, and rotator cuff tears are associated with injuries to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, none of which are related to the long thoracic nerve.