A patient presents with mild winging of the scapula that is most evident when he retracts his shoulders against resistance, while pushing against a wall produces little deformity. The serratus anterior is intact. Which nerve and root value should be assessed?

• A Nerve to subclavius, C5 and C6
• B Medial pectoral nerve, C8 and T1
• C Upper subscapular nerve, C5 and C6
• D Dorsal scapular nerve, C5 ✓

Explanation

The dorsal scapular nerve arises directly from the C5 root and runs beneath levator scapulae to supply the rhomboids, with a contribution to levator scapulae. Rhomboid weakness causes scapular winging on resisted retraction, distinct from serratus anterior failure where winging is exaggerated by wall push off. Testing involves asking the patient to brace the shoulders back against the examiner's hand.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.