Don't Forget the Serratus

ABSTRACT

Patients quadriplegic at the C6 level may not be considered candidates for independent transfers and weight shifting because of lack of primary shoulder depressors. However, we have observed that some quadriplegics have been able to use the serratus anterior for this latissimus dorsi function. We present an example of this technique, demonstrated by a patient with a complete C6 injury, and compare him with a subject with normal musculature. (J Am Paraplegia Soc 1990; 13: 46–47)

KEY WORDS:

• serratus anterior
• quadriplegia
• substitution pattern
• weight shift
• muscle function