Distal suprascapular nerve block-do it yourself: cadaveric feasibility study.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Regional Anesthesia
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• A bone landmark-based approach (LBA) offers a low-tech method for distal suprascapular nerve (dSSN) blockade.
• This technique is accessible to physicians without advanced regional anesthesia or ultrasound training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the feasibility of an LBA for dSSN blockade by orthopedic surgeons.
• To describe the anatomical features of the dSSN's sensory branches.

Main Methods:

• An LBA was performed on 15 cadaver shoulders by an orthopedic resident.
• Methylene blue-infused ropivacaine and latex solution were injected around the dSSN.
• The division and distribution of the suprascapular nerve's sensory branches were documented.

Main Results:

• The median injection distance to the dSSN was 1.5 cm.
• The most frequent injection site was the proximal third of the scapular neck.
• All 15 dSSNs had 3 sensory branches innervating the posterior glenohumeral capsule, subacromial bursa, and coracoclavicular/acromioclavicular ligaments.

Conclusions:

• LBA for dSSN anesthetic blockade is a simple, reliable, and accurate method for orthopedic surgeons.
• Injection near the suprascapular notch is recommended for comprehensive blockade of the dSSN and its sensory branches.