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Dropped shoulder syndrome is a condition when the patient experiences weakness or paralysis in the shoulder. It is also known as a winged scapula. In this condition, the shoulder blade protrudes; that is, it moves outward and upward from the back, giving the appearance of a wing. This is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles that attach to the scapula, such as the serratus anterior or the rhomboids.

What is dropped shoulder syndrome?

The serratus anterior muscle plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder. It is located near the scapula and presses against the chest wall. This further helps in rotating the shoulder blade upward, while the rhomboids help to retract and stabilize the scapula. When these muscles are weakened or paralyzed, the scapula is no longer held securely against the chest wall, leading to winging and dropped appearance. This causes dropped shoulder syndrome.

How to identify dropped shoulder syndrome?

It is important to identify dropped shoulder syndrome, as it helps in devising a better and non-invasive treatment plan. 

The key identifying feature of dropped shoulder syndrome is the physical appearance of a winged scapula. Many patients with dropped shoulder syndrome may experience the following symptoms:

• Weakness or pain in the shoulder: The weakened or paralyzed muscles can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder. The affected shoulder may feel heavy or difficult to move. Patients may often complain that they are unable to move the affected shoulder. In chronic cases of dropped shoulder syndrome, the patient may exhibit complete immobility in the shoulder.
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm: The weakened muscles can make it difficult to lift or rotate the arm, especially above shoulder level.
• Difficulty performing daily activities: Activities that require shoulder movement, such as reaching for objects, lifting weights, or performing overhead work, may be difficult or impossible.
• Fatigue: The muscles that are compensating for the weakened or paralyzed muscles may become fatigued or strained, leading to further weakness or pain.
• Numbness or tingling: In some cases, nerve compression or damage may be contributing to dropped shoulder syndrome, leading to symptoms of numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm. The patients may also feel the same in the fingers of the hand, such as fingers and wrist.

Identifying dropped shoulder syndrome at an early stage will help with a better prognosis. Symptoms of dropped shoulder syndrome may include weakness or pain in the shoulder, difficulty lifting or rotating the arm, or difficulty performing daily activities that require shoulder movement. Treatment may include physical therapy to strengthen the affected muscles, medication to manage pain and inflammation, or, in severe cases, surgery to repair nerve damage or correct muscle weakness. If you feel that you are experiencing the symptoms of dropped shoulder syndrome, you must get in touch with a shoulder doctor or shoulder surgeon at the earliest.

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