Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) anatomical relationship between the suprascapular nerve and scapula, and the method of protecting the suprascapular nerve in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)MethodsIn the present study, 12 fresh adult cadaver shoulder specimens were dissected. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) were used to investigate the 3D scapular and suprascapular nerve images.ResultsThe results revealed that the best fitting baseplate diameter was 24.73 ± 1.56 mm. Furthermore, the baseplate diameter correlated with the glenoid cavity width. After the osteotomy, a simulated screw placement on the baseplate was performed. The dangerous area for the posterior screw placement was at the angle between the upper edge and transverse axis exceeding 38° and between the lower edge and transverse axis exceeding 76°. The distance between the nearest point of the nerve and osteotomy plane was 15.38 ± 2.02 mm, and the angle between the projection point of the nearest point and transverse axis was 27.33 ± 7.96°, which was the dangerous area for retractor placement. The suitable angle between the superior screw and longitudinal axis was 21.67 ± 13.27°, and the suitable superior screw length was 34.66 ± 2.41 mm.ConclusionIn RTSA, the baseplate size correlates with the glenoid cavity width. The relationship between the screw and suprascapular nerve and retractor placement position should be carefully considered to avoid damaging the suprascapular nerve.
Highlights
This study aimed to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) anatomical relationship between the suprascapular nerve and scapula, and the method of protecting the suprascapular nerve in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)
The incidence of peripheral nerve complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty ranges within 0.6–3.6% [6], while that of subclinical peripheral nerve complications can reach as high as 47.8% [7], Li et al Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (2020) 15:524 which were mainly indicated by axillary nerve and suprascapular nerve injuries
There is a risk of suprascapular nerve injury in reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the fixation of glenoid cavity prosthesis components [9, 10]
Summary
This study aimed to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) anatomical relationship between the suprascapular nerve and scapula, and the method of protecting the suprascapular nerve in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The incidence of peripheral nerve complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty ranges within 0.6–3.6% [6], while that of subclinical peripheral nerve complications can reach as high as 47.8% [7], Li et al Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (2020) 15:524 which were mainly indicated by axillary nerve and suprascapular nerve injuries. There is a risk of suprascapular nerve injury in reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the fixation of glenoid cavity prosthesis components [9, 10]. The evaluation of the dangerous area of the suprascapular nerve in the glenoid cavity and identifying a safe screw length are necessary to reduce suprascapular nerve injuries
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