An anatomic study of the effects on the suprascapular nerve due to retraction of the supraspinatus muscle after a rotator cuff tear.

The purpose of this anatomic study was to assess the risk to the suprascapular nerve by measuring the tension on the nerve and the angle between the nerve and its motor branch at the scapular notch with medial supraspinatus tendon retraction. Twelve shoulders in six cadavers were dissected to evaluate the branching point of the first motor branch of the suprascapular nerve, the change in angle between the nerve and its first motor branch at the scapular notch with retraction of the supraspinatus tendon, and the resulting tension on the nerve. The first motor branch originated at the notch in 9 cadavers, just proximal in 1, and just distal in 2.

Relationship of the axillary nerve to the proximal screws of a flexible humeral nail system: an anatomic study.

Objective: To investigate the risk of axillary nerve injury during placement of the proximal interlock and tension screws of the Synthes Titanium Flexible Humeral Nail System (Synthes, Paoli, PA).

Design: Cadaver study.

Main Outcome Measure: Anatomic relationships.