Suprascapular Nerve Release: Technique Based on Anatomic Landmarks

Dysfunction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is closely related to rotator cuff pathology; nerve dysfunction can lead to cuff disease and vice versa. Owing to repetitive microtrauma during overhead sports or massive cuff tears with significant tendon retraction, the SSN may suffer compression or tra...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Guillermo Arce, M.D., Angel Calvo, M.D., Pau Golano, M.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-02-01
Series:Arthroscopy Techniques
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212628720303042
Description
Summary:Dysfunction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is closely related to rotator cuff pathology; nerve dysfunction can lead to cuff disease and vice versa. Owing to repetitive microtrauma during overhead sports or massive cuff tears with significant tendon retraction, the SSN may suffer compression or traction neuropathy at the suprascapular notch. The SSN release technique has already been described. However, on the basis of the many hands-on cadaveric laboratories in which we have participated in the past 20 years, only a few instructors and almost none of the attendants have shown the experience and skill set needed to release the SSN at the suprascapular notch. Therefore, a review of the surgical technique following the anatomic descriptions of an expert anatomist (P.G.) of the shoulder girdle is quite valuable.
ISSN:2212-6287