What type of shoulder results from trapezius muscle paralysis?
Nov 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
If a patient has paralysis of the trapezius muscle, it may lead to shoulder drooping. The primary function of the trapezius muscle is to draw the scapula toward the spine; its upper fibers elevate the scapula, while the lower fibers depress it. Paralysis of the trapezius can result in impaired arm movement, causing loss of traction on the scapula and preventing it from lying closely against the thoracic wall, thereby leading to shoulder drooping.
Generally speaking, trapezius muscle paralysis leads to shoulder drooping. The detailed analysis is as follows:
The trapezius muscle is a superficial muscle located in the upper and middle back, lying beneath the skin of the neck and back. It is triangular on each side, with the two sides together forming a rhomboid shape. Under normal circumstances, if a patient experiences trapezius muscle paralysis, it may result in shoulder drooping. This is because the primary function of the trapezius muscle is to pull the scapula toward the spine; its upper fibers elevate the scapula, while the lower fibers depress it. When the trapezius muscle becomes paralyzed, it can cause impairment in upper arm movement, leading to loss of traction on the scapula so that it no longer lies closely against the thoracic wall, thus resulting in shoulder drooping. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for treatment using medications such as vitamin B12 injections or diclofenac diethylamine emulgel, or therapies including massage and shortwave diathermy to alleviate discomfort.
Patients should undergo rehabilitation exercises under medical supervision and maintain a healthy diet consisting mainly of light, nutritious foods such as bone soup and steamed egg custard.
