OBJECTIVE: To establish the anatomic relationship of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) located in the suprascapular notch to the medial border of the base of the coracoid process, the medial acromial surface of the acromioclavicular joint and the anterolateral edge of the acromion. METHODS: We dissected 16 shoulders of 16 cadavers, 9 males and 7 females. The distance from the suprascapular nerve (in its course beneath the transverse ligament) to certain fixed points in the medial base of the coracoid process was measured with the aid of a caliper, as well as to the articular surface of the acromion and the acromioclavicular joint on the anterolateral edge of the acromion. These measures were correlated with age and sex. The specimens with signs of previous surgery were excluded. RESULTS: Measuring the suprascapular nerve in its notch to the medial border of the coracoid process, the base of the coracoid process averaged 3.9 cm (ranging from 3.1 cm to 5.2 cm), the acromioclavicular joint averaged 4.7 cm (ranging from 3.9 cm to 5.2 cm,) and the anterolateral border of the acromion averaged 6.1 cm (ranging from 5.7 cm to 6.8 cm). CONCLUSION: Accurate knowledge of the anatomy of nerves of the scapulohumeral region is essential in order to avoid iatrogenic injuries and to achieve satisfactory results in surgical treatment (open or arthroscopic) of shoulder pathologies.
Shoulder; Brachial plexus; Anatomy
