Exploiting Suprascapular Nerve Anatomy for Safe Shoulder Surgeries: What do we know? A Cadaveric Study and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is imperative in both the prevention of nerve damage during shoulder surgery and release of nerve entrapment, while also sparing damage to surrounding tissues. Our objectives are to provide a review of the surgical anatomy of SSN as well as compare our own acquired data based on six cadaveric SSN dissections with the current literature.

Methods: Six SSNs of three cadavers were dissected using the same stepwise procedure, and 18 predefined measurements were recorded for statistical analysis. Our data were compared with previous reports in the literature, taking particular interest of SSN relationship with infraspinatus, supraspinatus, suprascapular notch, supraglenoid notch and the posterior glenoid.

Results: Our cadaveric studies largely agree with the literature on the 18 parameters of the SSN we measured. There is an approximately 10%-20% variation in each parameter evaluated, which is a good estimate to keep in mind when planning surgical intervention

Conclusion: Knowledge of the anatomical relationship of SSN to surrounding landmarks is the key to prevention of injury during surgical procedures involving the rotator cuff or the posterior shoulder.