What condition is indicated when the distance from T4 to the right medial border of the scapula is greater than on the left?

What condition is indicated when the distance from T4 to the right medial border of the scapula is greater than on the left?

• A. Left Long Thoracic Nerve Injury
• B. Bilateral Scapula Winging
• C. Right Long Thoracic Nerve Injury
• D. Right Winged Scapula

Answer: (C)

The condition indicated when the distance from T4 to the right medial border of the scapula is greater than on the left suggests a right long thoracic nerve injury. The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle, which plays a critical role in keeping the scapula against the thoracic wall. When there is an injury to this nerve, the serratus anterior on the affected side becomes weak or paralyzed, leading to winging of the scapula. In this scenario, the right side is not able to maintain proper positioning due to weakness. Therefore, when measuring the distances from T4 to the medial border of the scapula, an increased distance on the right indicates a right-sided impairment. This asymmetry shows that the right scapula is not being stabilized properly against the rib cage, thus leading to a noticeable difference in distance compared to the left side. Understanding this relationship is essential in diagnosing nerve injuries based on muscle function and scapular positioning, as well as in interpreting clinical tests used to assess scapular dynamics.

The condition indicated when the distance from T4 to the right medial border of the scapula is greater than on the left suggests a right long thoracic nerve injury. The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle, which plays a critical role in keeping the scapula against the thoracic wall. When there is an injury to this nerve, the serratus anterior on the affected side becomes weak or paralyzed, leading to winging of the scapula.

In this scenario, the right side is not able to maintain proper positioning due to weakness. Therefore, when measuring the distances from T4 to the medial border of the scapula, an increased distance on the right indicates a right-sided impairment. This asymmetry shows that the right scapula is not being stabilized properly against the rib cage, thus leading to a noticeable difference in distance compared to the left side.

Understanding this relationship is essential in diagnosing nerve injuries based on muscle function and scapular positioning, as well as in interpreting clinical tests used to assess scapular dynamics.