A comprehensive review of scapulothoracic abnormal motion (STAM): evaluation, classification, and treatment strategies

Abstract

The term “dyskinesia” has often been used interchangeably with “winging,” leading to ambiguity in the literature. To address this, the broader term “scapulothoracic abnormal motion (STAM)” was introduced to describe any abnormal position or movement of the scapula on the chest, resulting in pain and dysfunction. Scapulothoracic abnormal motion has a wide range of causes, including musculoskeletal imbalances such as pectoralis minor hyperactivity, neurological impairments such as long thoracic nerve palsy, and genetic conditions like facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). This review aims to identify the different causes and classifications of STAM and to propose a detailed treatment algorithm specifically designed to manage these conditions effectively.