Scapular Dyskinesis: Related Pathology

Abstract

Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent causes of disability in overhead sports and often forces athletes andworkers to stop their activities. Scapular dyskinesis is not an injury or a musculoskeletal diagnosis, but rather analteration of the normal position or motion of the scapula during coupled scapulohumeral movements. Theunderlying pathology can be multifactorial in nature, and understanding the various contributing factors is importantin order to properly diagnose and treat the patient. An additional goal should be the prevention of further pathologyor symptoms. In the present article the concept of scapular dyskinesis is reviewed along with a review of theliterature regarding related pathology and our observations. Scapular dyskinesis can exist in asymptomaticindividuals. In symptomatic patients with shoulder pain the scapular rhythm should be evaluated and treated. Someof the associated pathologies could be subacromial impingement, internal impingement, chronic acromioclaviculardislocations grade III, chronic neck pain. Physical therapy is usually the preferred treatment of choice and effectiveto treat these patients.