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Information: Asymmetry of the Anterior Scalene Muscles in Scalene Syndrome
Slideshow: T1 axial image demonstrating asymmetry of the anterior scalene muscles.
This T1 axial image demonstrates asymmetry of the anterior scalene muscles. The arrows point to the anterior scalene muscles. The muscle on the right is about 50% larger than the muscle on the left.
This can reflect either hypertrophy (overgrowth) of the muscle on the left or spasm/atrophy of the muscle on the right. This condition can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm and hand. It is most often caused by whiplash in motor vehicle accidents, by trauma to the neck and shoulder, or by excessive carrying or lifting in a "repetitive strain" situation. It also occurs in some athletes who overbuild the muscle by their training routine or weightlifting.
There is loss of fat between the anterior and middle scalene muscles on the left as well suggesting that the pathology is primarily on the left.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment can include injections to relax the muscle as well as surgery to cut or trim the muscle.
TOS Information | TOS Diagnosis | TOS Treatment | |||||||||||||||
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