In nine patients who had fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy,
thoracoscapular arthrodesis was done for the treatment of symptomatic
winging of the scapula. The objective was to improve the use of the upper
extremity in the performance of activities of daily living. Seven patients
had a bilateral procedure. The active range of motion of the shoulder
improved in all patients, with flexion increasing an average of 33 degrees
and abduction, 25 degrees. Complications included pneumothorax, pleural
effusion, atelectasis, fracture of the scapula, and pseudarthrosis. The
length of follow-up averaged sixty-nine months, and the results did not
deteriorate with time.