Scapulothoracic fusion for serratus anterior paralysis

Paralysis of the serratus anterior may lead to severe disability. Many surgical options are available, from soft-tissue procedures to scapulothoracic fusion. We report the results of 10 consecutive scapulothoracic fusions in 10 patients (7 men and 3 women) treated between 1980 and 1997. The mean age at surgery was 39 years (range, 22-57 years). Paralysis of the serratus anterior was isolated in five patients. One patient was lost to follow-up, and one patient died from an unrelated cause. Fusion was not achieved in three patients, two of whom had successful revision within 1 year postoperatively. One patient with an excellent result had a traumatic arthrodesis fracture and underwent successful revision. Results were assessed in 8 patients, including 3 who had reoperation. At a mean follow-up of 6.2 years (range, 1-15 years), 6 patients had a very good or good result and returned to manual labor. The mean active mobility was limited to 93° in abduction and 101° in forward elevation but was well tolerated. Two patients had a poor result because of nonunion and frozen shoulder, respectively. Scapulothoracic fusion may not be recommended as a primary procedure in the treatment of winging of the scapula due to serratus anterior paralysis. However, with the use of a careful technique, this method may be an alternative to muscle transfer, especially in patients in whom a previous soft-tissue procedure has failed or in patients with strenuous activities or combined muscular lesions.