Which muscle groups are most affected in facioscapulohumeral (FSH) dystrophy?
The name facioscapulohumeral gives an indication of the distribution of muscle weakness, but not a complete one. ‘Facio’ refers to the face, ‘scapulo’ to the scapula or shoulder blade, ‘humeral’ to the upper arm between shoulder and elbow. The facial muscles are affected. The selective pattern of weakness often produces a recognisable facial appearance more noticeable when the muscles are in use, as in speaking or in producing facial expression. Weakness of eye closure may cause the affected person to sleep with the eyes slightly open. The face tends to become less than usually lined with age. Muscles about the shoulder blades are affected. This leads to ‘winging of the scapulae’, especially when the arms are held forward horizontally. ‘Winging’ of the shoulder blades is a backward protrusion of their inner edges when the arms are held forward horizontally. The bulk of the muscles between the shoulder blades may be reduced. The muscles which rotate the scapulae are affected. Looked at
