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Review
. 2017:2017:4659761.
doi: 10.1155/2017/4659761. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Protective and Predisposing Morphological Factors in Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A Fundamental Review Based on Recent Observations

Piotr Łabętowicz  1 , Marek Synder  2 , Mariusz Wojciechowski  3 , Krzysztof Orczyk  1 , Hubert Jezierski  4 , Mirosław Topol  5 , Michał Polguj  1
Affiliations
Review

Protective and Predisposing Morphological Factors in Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A Fundamental Review Based on Recent Observations

Piotr Łabętowicz et al. Biomed Res Int. 2017.

Abstract

Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome (SNES) is a neuropathy caused by compression of the nerve along its course. The most common compression sites include the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch. The aim of this article was to review the anatomical factors influencing the occurrence of SNES in the light of the newest reports. Potential predisposing morphological factors include a V-shaped, narrow, or "deep" suprascapular notch; a band-shaped, bifurcated, or completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL); particular arrangements of the suprascapular nerve and vessels at the suprascapular notch. A very recent report indicates structures at the suprascapular notch region that may protect from SNES, such as the suprascapular notch veins (SNV). The role of the anterior coracoscapular ligament (ACSL) is still not clear. While some studies indicate that it may predispose for SNES, the newest study proposes a protective function. Knowledge of these variations is essential for arthroscopic and other surgical procedures of this area in order to avoid iatrogenic injury of the suprascapular nerve or unexpected bleeding from the suprascapular vessels running alongside the STSL.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Deep and narrow suprascapular notch (arrow). (a) The dry scapula and (b) three-dimensional volume rendering MDCT. AC: acromion, C: clavicle, CP: coracoid process, and H: humerus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders: suprascapular region. (a) Band-shaped STSL and (b) bifid STSL. Arrowhead: superior border of the scapula, SA: suprascapular artery, SN: suprascapular nerve, SM: supraspinatus muscle, STSL: superior transverse scapular ligament, and SV: suprascapular vein.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (arrow). (a) The dry scapula and (b) three-dimensional volume rendering MDCT. AC: acromion, C: clavicle, CP: coracoid process, and H: humerus.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders: suprascapular region. ACSL: anterior coracoscapular ligament, SA: suprascapular artery, SN: suprascapular nerve, SNV: suprascapular notch vein, STSL: superior transverse scapular ligament, and SV: suprascapular vein.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders: suprascapular region. SA: suprascapular artery, SM: supraspinatus muscle, SN: suprascapular nerve, STSL: superior transverse scapular ligament, and SV: suprascapular vein.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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