Top

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

Published in:

01-09-2015 | Shoulder

Anatomic observation of the running space of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch in the same direction as the nerve

Authors: Atsushi Tasaki, Akimoto Nimura, Tomoyuki Mochizuki, Kumiko Yamaguchi, Ryuichi Kato, Hiroyuki Sugaya, Keiichi Akita

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 9/2015

Abstract

Purpose

The configuration of suprascapular notch was previously analysed from the anteroposterior viewing. However, the approach direction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) to the inlet of the suprascapular notch is consistently craniocaudal and mediolateral. We propose a new method to observe the suprascapular notch according to the running course of the SSN. We reviewed the anatomic characteristics of the suprascapular notch in relation to the nerve.

Methods

In 30 formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders, the morphology of the suprascapular notch and the attachments of the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) were examined from both the anteroposterior and the nerve approach direction. The dimensions of the opening of the SSN passage were measured.

Results

By observing from the nerve approach direction, the inlet of the suprascapular notch was recognized to be a space-bordered by the medial wall of the coracoid process, the deep fascia of subscapularis, and the STSL. The STSL formed a sheet-like structure, which ran parallel to the nerve and also to the deep fascia of subscapularis. The attachment of the ligament to the coracoid process was located at the posteromedial corner rather than the medial side.

Conclusion

Based on the present study, the space between the STSL and deep fascia of the subscapularis formed the space for the nerve to run through. As a clinical implication, this new method to assess the suprascapular notch in the nerve approach direction might develop the imaging techniques for evaluation of SSN entrapment.

Bayramoglu A, Demiryurek D, Tuccar E, Erbil M, Aldur MM, Tetik O, Doral MN (2003) Variations in anatomy at the suprascapular notch possibly causing suprascapular nerve entrapment: an anatomical study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 11(6):393–398CrossRefPubMed

Clein LJ (1975) Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy. J Neurosurg 43(3):337–342CrossRefPubMed

Cohen SB, Dines DM, Moorman CT (1997) Familial calcification of the superior transverse scapular ligament causing neuropathy. Clin Orthop Relat Res 334:131–135PubMed

Cummins CA, Messer TM, Nuber GW (2000) Suprascapular nerve entrapment. J Bone Joint Surg Am 82(3):415–424PubMed

Duparc F, Coquerel D, Ozeel J, Noyon M, Gerometta A, Michot C (2010) Anatomical basis of the suprascapular nerve entrapment, and clinical relevance of the supraspinatus fascia. Surg Radiol Anat SRA 32(3):277–284CrossRefPubMed

Edelson JG (1995) Bony bridges and other variations of the suprascapular notch. J Bone Joint Surg Br 77(3):505–506PubMed

Ferretti A, Cerullo G, Russo G (1987) Suprascapular neuropathy in volleyball players. J Bone Joint Surg Am 69(2):260–263PubMed

Ganzhorn RW, Hocker JT, Horowitz M, Switzer HE (1981) Suprascapular-nerve entrapment. J Bone Joint Surg Am 63(3):492–494PubMed

Hirayama T, Takemitsu Y (1981) Compression of the suprascapular nerve by a ganglion at the suprascapular notch. Clin Orthop Relat Res 155:95–96PubMed

10.

Kannan U, Kannan NS, Anbalagan J, Rao S (2014) Morphometric study of suprascapular notch in Indian dry scapulae with specific reference to the incidence of completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament. J Clin Diagn Res 8(3):7–10PubMedCentralPubMed

11.

Kibler WB (1998) The role of the scapula in athletic shoulder function. Am J Sports Med 26(2):325–337PubMed

12.

Natsis K, Totlis T, Tsikaras P, Appell HJ, Skandalakis P, Koebke J (2007) Proposal for classification of the suprascapular notch: a study on 423 dried scapulas. Clin Anat 20(2):135–139CrossRefPubMed

13.

Oizumi N, Suenaga N, Funakoshi T, Yamaguchi H, Minami A (2012) Recovery of sensory disturbance after arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 21(6):759–764CrossRefPubMed

14.

Rengachary SS, Burr D, Lucas S, Brackett CE (1979) Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy: a clinical, anatomical, and comparative study. Part 3: comparative study. Neurosurgery 5(4):452–455CrossRefPubMed

15.

Rengachary SS, Burr D, Lucas S, Hassanein KM, Mohn MP, Matzke H (1979) Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy: a clinical, anatomical, and comparative study. Part 2: anatomical study. Neurosurgery 5(4):447–451CrossRefPubMed

16.

Ringel SP, Treihaft M, Carry M, Fisher R, Jacobs P (1990) Suprascapular neuropathy in pitchers. Am J Sports Med 18(1):80–86CrossRefPubMed

17.

Romeo AA, Ghodadra NS, Salata MJ, Provencher MT (2010) Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression: indications and surgical technique. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 19(2 Suppl):118–123CrossRefPubMed

18.

Sandow MJ, Ilic J (1998) Suprascapular nerve rotator cuff compression syndrome in volleyball players. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 7(5):516–521CrossRefPubMed

19.

Shah AA, Butler RB, Sung SY, Wells JH, Higgins LD, Warner JJ (2011) Clinical outcomes of suprascapular nerve decompression. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 20(6):975–982CrossRefPubMed

20.

Thompson WA, Kopell HP (1959) Peripheral entrapment neuropathies of the upper extremity. N Engl J Med 260(25):1261–1265CrossRefPubMed

21.

Ticker JB, Djurasovic M, Strauch RJ, April EW, Pollock RG, Flatow EL, Bigliani LU (1998) The incidence of ganglion cysts and other variations in anatomy along the course of the suprascapular nerve. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 7(5):472–478CrossRefPubMed

22.

Wang HJ, Chen C, Wu LP, Pan CQ, Zhang WJ, Li YK (2011) Variable morphology of the suprascapular notch: an investigation and quantitative measurements in Chinese population. Clin Anat 24(1):47–55CrossRefPubMed

23.

Warner JP, Krushell RJ, Masquelet A, Gerber C (1992) Anatomy and relationships of the suprascapular nerve: anatomical constraints to mobilization of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles in the management of massive rotator-cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 74(1):36–45PubMed

24.

Witvrouw E, Cools A, Lysens R, Cambier D, Vanderstraeten G, Victor J, Sneyers C, Walravens M (2000) Suprascapular neuropathy in volleyball players. Br Sports Med 34(3):174–180CrossRef

Title: Anatomic observation of the running space of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch in the same direction as the nerve
Authors: Atsushi Tasaki
Akimoto Nimura
Tomoyuki Mochizuki
Kumiko Yamaguchi
Ryuichi Kato
Hiroyuki Sugaya
Keiichi Akita
Publication date: 01-09-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 9/2015
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3129-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Anatomic observation of the running space of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch in the same direction as the nerve

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 9/2015

Deltoid muscle injury scratched by an osteophyte on the greater tuberosity of the humeral head: an unusual cause of shoulder pain

Foreseeing the danger in the beach chair position: Are standard measurement methods reliable?

Effect of open wedge high tibial osteotomy on the lateral tibiofemoral compartment in sheep. Part III: analysis of the microstructure of the subchondral bone and correlations with the articular cartilage and meniscus

Assessment of neuromuscular risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injury through tensiomyography in male soccer players

Reliability of hip internal rotation range of motion measurement using a digital inclinometer

Secondary synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder