Innervation of the acromioclavicular joint by the suprascapular nerve.

Abstract

Introduction: The suprascapular nerve is largely responsible for the majority of the sensory innervation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). In this anatomical study we describe, in detail, the anatomy of the sensory innervation of the ACJ by the branches of the suprascapular nerve. Method(s): Twenty-seven shoulders from 17 cadaveric specimens were carefully dissected to identify the course of the suprascapular nerve, with the main focus being on the sensory innervation of the ACJ. Nine specific measurements of the ACJ sensory nerves were made of each shoulder in relation to distinct anatomical landmarks to determine the mean location and course of these nerves. Result(s): In all 27 shoulders (100%) a sensory branch to the ACJ with a proximal origin from the suprascapular nerve could be depicted ("first sensory branch"). The mean length of this branch was 4.3 cm (range, 3.3 - 5.3 cm). In 14 shoulders (52%) a further sensory branch of the su-prascapular nerve innervating the posterior ACJ capsule could be identified ("second sensory branch"). Discussion(s): A detailed anatomical description of the sensory innerva-tion of the ACJ from suprascapular nerve branches was performed, which can potentially aid in the development of more focused anesthetic blockades and ACJ denervation procedures.