肩胛上神经卡压综合征的应用解剖学研究

对30具正常成人尸体的肩胛上神经及其相关结构进行了详细的观测。23.33±5.46％(14例)的肩胛上神经被结缔组织包裹,并固定于肩胛上孔中。孔中肩胛上神经多为扁圆形(89.50±4.2％),其宽径为3.3±0.87mm。肩胛上神经关节支多在肩胛上孔前方发出(83.33±4.81％),其中有2例发出皮支分布于臂上外侧部皮肤。对肩胛上神经在肩胛上孔内的位置做了三维定位,并讨论了肩胛上神经综合征的有关病因及临床应用要点。     

Compression of the Suprascapular Nerve After Fracture of the Scapular Notch

A 32-year-old man with a fracture of the scapular notch associated with a lesion of the suprascapular nerve is reported. A nerve decompression operation was performed 20 months after the injury with relief of pain. The possibility that residual disability following a fracture of the scapula can be due to a lesion of the suprascapular nerve is underlined. The value of X-ray examination with projections visualizing the notch and diagnostic local anaesthetic block of the nerve passing through the notch are emphasized. Primary wide resection of the scapular notch is a preferable procedure preventing recurrence of nerve compression symptoms.     

Arthroscopic Suprascapular Nerve Release at the Suprascapular Notch in a Cadaveric Model: An Anatomic Approach

Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch, to our knowledge, has rarely been described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and relevant anatomic landmarks in a cadaveric model that can be identified arthroscopically for reliable and reproducible arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular (STS) ligament. In 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders, arthroscopic release of the STS ligament was performed. The acromioclavicular joint is first identified while viewing through a posterior subacromial portal. The distal clavicle is then followed medially until the most lateral portion of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments (trapezoid ligament) is identified. The most medial margin of the CC ligaments (conoid ligament) is identified, and the trapezoid and conoid ligaments are dissected and identified individually. The conoid ligament is followed inferiorly and medially to the base of the coracoid. At the base of the coracoid, the confluence of the trapezoid and conoid ligaments (CC) and the STS ligament is identified. The STS ligament can be identified coursing horizontally across the field of view. The STS ligament may be incised by use of dissecting scissors through a lateral, accessory lateral, or accessory posterior portal, releasing the suprascapular nerve.     

Arthroscopic Decompression of the Suprascapular Nerve at the Spinoglenoid Notch and Suprascapular Notch Through the Subacromial Space

Suprascapular nerve entrapment can cause disabling shoulder pain. Suprascapular nerve release is often performed for compression neuropathy and to release pressure on the nerve associated with arthroscopic labral repair. This report describes a novel all-arthroscopic technique for decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch or spinoglenoid notch through a subacromial approach. Through the subacromial space, spinoglenoid notch cysts can be visualized between the supraspinatus and infraspinatus at the base of the scapular spine. While viewing the subacromial space through the lateral portal, the surgeon can use a shaver through the posterior portal to decompress a spinoglenoid notch cyst at the base of the scapular spine. To decompress the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch, a shaver through the posterior portal removes the soft tissue on the acromion and distal clavicle to expose the coracoclavicular ligaments. The medial border of the conoid ligament is identified and followed to its coracoid attachment. The supraspinatus muscle is retracted with a blunt trocar placed through an accessory Neviaser portal. The transverse scapular ligament, which courses inferior to the suprascapular artery, is sectioned with arthroscopic scissors, and the suprascapular nerve is decompressed.     

Outcome Following Spinal Accessory to Suprascapular (Spinoscapular) Nerve Transfer in Infants with Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of distal spinal accessory nerve (SAN) transfer to the suprascapular nerve (SSN) in children with brachial plexus birth injuries in order to better define the application and outcome of this transfer in these infants. Over a 3-year period, 34 infants with brachial plexus injuries underwent transfer of the SAN to the SSN as part of the primary surgical reconstruction. Twenty-five patients (direct repair, n = 20; interposition graft, n = 5) achieved a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Fourteen children underwent plexus reconstruction with SAN-to-SSN transfer at less than 9 months of age, and 11 underwent surgical reconstruction at the age of 9 months or older. Mean age at the time of nerve transfer was 11.6 months (range, 5–30 months). At latest follow-up, active shoulder external rotation was measured in the arm abducted position and confirmed by review of videos. The Gilbert and Miami shoulder classification scores were utilized to report shoulder-specific functional outcomes. The effects of patient age at the time of nerve transfer and the use of interpositional nerve graft were analyzed. Overall mean active external rotation measured 69.6°; mean Gilbert score was 4.1 and the mean Miami score was 7.1, corresponding to overall good shoulder functional outcomes. Similar clinical and shoulder-specific functional outcomes were obtained in patients undergoing early (<9 months of age, n = 14) and late (>9 months of age, n = 11) SAN-to-SSN transfer and primary plexus reconstruction. Nine patients (27%) were lost to follow-up and are not included in the analysis. Optimum results were achieved following direct transfer (n = 20). Results following the use of an interpositional graft (n = 5) were rated satisfactory. No patient required a secondary shoulder procedure during the study period. There were no postoperative complications. Distal SAN-to-SSN (spinoscapular) nerve transfer is a reliable option for shoulder reinnervation in infants with brachial plexus birth injuries. Direct transfer seems to be the optimum method. The age of the patient does not seem to significantly impact on outcome.     

Suprascapular nerve block

A new approach for the management of frozen shoulder associated with reflex sympathetic dystrophy is presented. A suprascapular nerve block was performed by needle insertion behind the lateral end of the clavicle at its junction with the insertion of the trapezius muscle; the needle was directed downwards and backwards. The suprascapular nerve was identified by its response to nerve stimulation. Three ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline was injected. The block was repeated twice weekly for a total of 2-4 treatments. Evaluation of the efficacy of the block was achieved by comparing subjective pain scores and passive range of movement before the first block and after the final one. Highly significant improvements were obtained. The choice of blockade of the suprascapular nerve is a new concept for the management of the frozen shoulder of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. This is based on the fact that the nerve contains a high proportion of sympathetic fibres supplying the shoulder joint. The new approach proved to be simple, highly successful, and reproducible.     

Suprascapular Nerve Block for Shoulder Arthroscopy

The suprascapular nerve (SSN) originates from the C5 and C6 nerve roots and provides sensation for the posterior shoulder capsule, acromioclavicular joint, subacromial bursa, and coracoclavicular ligament. Blocking it provides pre-emptive anesthesia, decreased intraoperative pain, and postoperative pain relief in shoulder arthroscopy. Under general anesthesia, 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine is injected by a spinal needle placed 1 cm medial to the convergence of the spine and clavicle, angling toward the coracoid. At a depth of 3 to 4 cm, the needle strikes the scapula body. The surgeon probes with the needle anteriorly until the scapula is no longer felt, then moves the needle back posteriorly until the bone is felt again. This places the needle at the coracoid base in the supraspinatus fossa where the SSN curves around the coracoid and heads to the glenohumeral joint. At this point, the anesthetic is injected, “flooding” the SSN location. In addition to the SSN block, other pain-control procedures should be performed, including bupivacaine injection of all portals and an intra-articular injection of morphine sulfate at the end of the procedure. The SSN block is an effective technique and can reduce postoperative medication needs and allow earlier patient discharge from the surgery center.     

Suprascapular nerve compression syndrome

Five patients suffering from suprascapular nerve compression syndrome were treated by surgical decompression of the nerve. The syndrome is described and the surgical treatment is outlined. The diagnostic necessity for electromyography is stressed as is the intraoperative evaluation of the conductive obstacle by use of electrostimulation.     

Outcomes of Shoulder Functions in Spinal Accessory to Suprascapular Nerve Transfer in Brachial Plexus Injury: A Comparison between Anterior and Posterior Approach

Background  Restoration of shoulder functions is important in brachial plexus injury (BPI). The functional outcomes of spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer by the anterior supraclavicular approach and the posterior approach is a matter of debate. This article aims to compare the outcomes of the shoulder functions by the SAN to the SSN transfer using the two approaches. Methods  Retrospective data was collected in 34 patients who underwent SAN to SSN transfer from January 2016 to June 2018. Group A included 16 patients who underwent nerve transfers by anterior approach, and Group B included 18 patients who underwent nerve transfers by posterior approach. Functional outcomes were measured by grading the muscle power as per the British Medical Research Council (MRC) grading (graded as M) and the range of motions (ROM) of the shoulder at 6 months and 18 months. Results  Early recovery was seen in group B with 7 patients (39%) showing M1 abduction power at 6 months as compared with one patient (6%) in group A . This difference was statistically significant ( p value = 0.04). At 18 months, 10 patients (62%) in group A had good recovery (MRC grade ≥3), while 13 patients (72%) in group B had a good recovery. This difference was not found to be statistically significant (Fisher exact test p value = 0.71) There was no statistical difference in the outcomes of ROM in shoulder abduction, external rotation, and motor power at 18 months of follow-up. Conclusions  Early recovery was observed in the posterior approach group at 6 months, however, there was no significant difference in the outcomes of shoulder functions in muscle power and ROM in the two groups at 18 months of follow-up.