Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy

Long Thoracic nerve is shown on the diagram presented in the video. It originates from brachial plexus. It innervates the serratus anterior muscle which and runs from scapula to rib cage. When we lift our arm, one third of that motion comes from the scapula moving along the chest wall. When the long thoracic nerve is injured, the scapula cannot move properly, the acromion limits upper limb motion . Secondary impingement, rotator cuff tears and loss of shoulder motion results. Little is known about what causes long thoracic nerve paralysis. We do know, however, that in most cases, it gets better after prolonged physical therapy. When it doesn't, a pectoralis tendon transfer can be very effective in restoring motion. Presented by dr Clayton Lane