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Anterior coracoscapular ligament and suprascapular nerve entrapment
B W Avery1, F M Pilon, J K Barclay
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. bwavery@uwo.ca
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|October 10, 2002
Summary
A newly discovered anterior coracoscapular ligament (ACSL) in cadavers significantly reduces the suprascapular foramen height. This finding suggests the ACSL may be a key factor in suprascapular nerve entrapment.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Orthopedics
- Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
Background:
- The suprascapular foramen transmits the suprascapular nerve.
- A reduced foramen height is linked to suprascapular nerve entrapment.
- Anatomical variations can predispose individuals to nerve compression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential anatomical cause for suprascapular nerve entrapment.
- To describe a previously unreported ligament associated with the suprascapular foramen.
- To quantify the effect of this ligament on foramen dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Cadaveric dissection of 27 individuals.
- Identification and characterization of anatomical structures.
- Measurement of suprascapular foramen height before and after ligament identification.
Main Results:
- A novel ligament, termed the anterior coracoscapular ligament (ACSL), was identified in 60% of cadavers.
- The ACSL was present bilaterally in 41% of specimens.
- The ACSL reduced the mean foramen height from 5.6 mm to 2.3 mm.
Conclusions:
- The anterior coracoscapular ligament (ACSL) significantly reduces suprascapular foramen height.
- The ACSL is a potential anatomical factor contributing to suprascapular nerve entrapment.
- Further research should explore the clinical implications of the ACSL in patients with nerve entrapment.
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