Posterior subscapular approach to the brachial plexus
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation
Published on: June 13, 2025
Gabriel C Tender1, David G Kline
1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. gtende@lsuhsc.edu
Abstract:
The posterior subscapular approach to the brachial plexus is commonly indicated in patients with neural entrapment (neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, especially when associated with a large C7 transverse process or cervical rib) and paraspinal tumors or lacerating injuries involving the spinal nerves close to the spine. This approach is also preferred in patients with previous anterior neck operations and/or morbid obesity. We describe the anatomy and operative technique of this approach, which has been used by the senior author (DGK) for the past 25 years.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
