Open Anterior Release of the Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament for Decompression of the Suprascapular Nerve During Brachial Plexus Surgery.
Reconstruction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) after brachial plexus injury often involves nerve grafting or a nerve transfer. To restore shoulder abduction and external rotation, a branch of the spinal accessory nerve is commonly transferred to the SSN. To allow reinnervation of the SSN, any potential compression points should be released to prevent a possible double crush syndrome. For that reason, the authors perform a release of the superior transverse scapular ligament at the suprascapular notch in all patients undergoing reconstruction of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. Performing the release through a standard anterior open supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus avoids the need for an additional posterior incision or arthroscopic procedure.
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Kate E
KE
Elzinga
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Matthew W T
MW
Curran
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Michael J
MJ
Morhart
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
K Ming
KM
Chan
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: jolson@ualberta.ca.
Jaret L
JL
Olson
D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012782:Shoulder / Q000601:surgery*
Brachial plexus; nerve decompression; nerve entrapment; shoulder reconstruction; suprascapular nerve