ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of the 3rd-6th intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for reconstruction of shoulder abduction. MethodsFifteen thoracic walls (30 sides) were collected from human cadavers. The 3rd-6th intercostal nerve length which can be dissected between the midaxillary line and midclavicular line, and the transfer distance between the midaxillary line and midpoint of the clavicular bone (prepared point for neurotization) were measured. ResultsIn 30 sides of specimens, the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves could be obtained between the midaxillary line and midclavicular line, the available length of which was significantly greater than the transfer distance (P lt; 0.01). Six sides of the 5th intercostal nerve and 16 sides of 6th intercostal nerve were covered by the costal cartilage before reaching the midclavicular line. The available length of the 5th intercostal nerve was similar to the transfer distance (P gt; 0.01), while the available length of the 6th intercostal nerve was significantly less than transfer distance (P lt; 0.01). The suprascapular nerve could be dissociated and turned to the clavicular bone of more than 2 cm. The whole length of the available 5th intercostal nerve length and the turning length (2 cm) of suprascapular nerve was significantly greater than the transfer distance (P lt; 0.01), but for the 6th intercostal nerve, the whole length was still less than transfer distance (P lt; 0.01). ConclusionIt could be an alternative method to use the 3rd, 4th, and 5th intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for reconstruction of shoulder abduction. And for the 6th intercostal nerve, longer dissociated length may be required for direct coaptation or using a graft for nerve repair.
Objective To discuss the optimal approach to treat suprascapular nerve compression syndrome. Methods From January 2000 to June 2003, 8 cases of suprascapular nerve compression syndrome were treated by surgical intervention to cut the transverse scapular ligament through posterior approach. Of the 8 patients, there were 2 males and 6 females (age ranged from 21 to 53) with duration of 6 months to 3 years. The change of symptom, muscle power, and muscle atrophy after operation were observed. Results One week after operation, pain around the scapular disappeared, muscle power of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles recovered to normal. One, 6, 12 and 16 months after the operation, the patients were followed up. No recurrence was observed. Muscle atrophy didn’t recover.Conclusion To treat suprascapular nerve compression syndrome with operation through posterior approach is easy to operate. When the suprascapular nerve is entrapped in scapular notch, this approach is a good choice.
