3D scapular kinematics were assessed using a non invasive method involving an electromagnetic device during arm elevation in the frontal and sagittal planes in 9 patients (4 with SANL and 5 with LTNL) with unilateral DSW confirmed by electrical evidence. Within subject affected-unaffected differences were measured and compared between pathological groups (Mann-Whitney).
Differences between affected and unaffected shoulders were significantly greater for scapular posterior tilt (at rest and 30掳 for sagittal arm elevation, at rest, 30掳 and 60掳 for frontal arm elevation) in the LTNL compared to the SANL group. Differences between affected and unaffected shoulders were significantly greater for scapular protraction (at rest and 60掳 of sagittal arm elevation, at rest, 30掳 and 60掳 of frontal arm elevation) and scapular lateral rotation at 60掳 for frontal arm elevation in the SANL compared to the LTNL group.
These kinematic findings show two different scapular patterns that are specific to the neurological lesion. Moreover our kinematic data relate to specific clinical signs and the functional roles of the muscles involved.