Abstract
We report of a patient who presented with axilla nerve paresis. At first, the function of the triangular muscle was decreased because of the axillary nerve palsy, and the shoulder joint range of motion was limited. Because the patient had been doing compensatory movement of scapula elevation, the muscle activity of the upper and lower fibers of the trapezius were disproportionate. As a result, the stability of the scapulothoracic joint was decreased, and the patient had difficulty with overhead work. For evaluation of the scapulothoracic joint, we evaluated the position of the scapula when the shoulder joint was at maximum flexion. When the shoulder joint was at maximum flexion, the scapula was located above the outside. Muscular depression due to excessive muscle contraction and the lower fibers of the trapezius of the scapula elevation muscle was thought to be the cause. We controlled the scapula elevation, and perfprmed physiotherapy to encourage/enlist the muscle activities of the lower fibers of the trapezius selectively. As a result, the position of the scapula when the shoulder joint maximum flexion became normal, and the stability of the scapulothoracic joint improved. Moreover, the patient could do overhead work without difficulty.
