Dorsal scapular nerve

Not to be confused with Thoracodorsal nerve.
Dorsal scapular nerve
The right brachial plexus with its short branches, viewed from in front. (Dorsalis scapulae labeled at left, second from top.)
Details
FromC5 of brachial plexus
InnervatesRhomboid minor, rhomboid major, levator scapulae
Identifiers
Latinnervus dorsalis scapulae
TA98A14.2.03.011
TA26409
FMA65279
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The dorsal scapular nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus, usually derived from the ventral ramus of cervical nerve C5. It provides motor innervation to the rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle.

Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can cause a winged scapula, with pain and limited motion.

Structure

Origin

The dorsal scapular nerve arises from the brachial plexus, usually from the plexus root (anterior (ventral) ramus) of cervical nerve C5.[1][2][3]

Course and relations

Once the nerve leaves C5 it commonly pierces the middle scalene muscle.[1] It continues deep to levator scapulae muscle and the rhomboids (minor superior to major).[1]

The nerve is accompanied by dorsal scapular artery.[4]

Function

The dorsal scapular nerve provides motor innervation to the two rhomboid muscles,[2][3] and the levator scapulae muscle.[2][3]

Clinical significance

Injury to the dorsal scapular nerve is usually apparent on inspection when the scapula on the injured side is located farther from the midline than the uninjured scapula. The patient would be unable to pull their shoulder back, as when standing at attention. Isolated dorsal scapular nerve injury is uncommon, but case reports usually involve injury to the scalene muscles.[5]

The dorsal scapular nerve is typically not anaesthetised during a supraclavicular nerve block.[6] This can cause pain after some surgeries.[6]

Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome

Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can be caused by nerve compression syndrome. A winged scapula is the most common symptom.[7] Shoulder pain may occur.[7] It causes weakness in rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle.[7] The range of motion of the shoulder may be limited.[7] Treatment is usually conservative.[7]

See also

Additional images

  • Brachial plexus
    Brachial plexus
  • Brachial plexus with courses of spinal nerves shown
    Brachial plexus with courses of spinal nerves shown
  • Deep Branch of Transverse Cervical running with Dorsal Scapular
    Deep Branch of Transverse Cervical running with Dorsal Scapular

References

  1. ^ a b c Tubbs, R. Shane; Goodrich, Dylan; Watanabe, Koichi; Loukas, Marios (January 1, 2015), Tubbs, R. Shane; Rizk, Elias; Shoja, Mohammadali M.; Loukas, Marios (eds.), "Chapter 43 - Anatomic Landmarks for Selected Nerves of the Head, Neck, and Upper and Lower Limbs", Nerves and Nerve Injuries, San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 575–588, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-410390-0.00045-7, ISBN 978-0-12-410390-0, retrieved November 2, 2020
  2. ^ a b c Felten, David L.; O'Banion, M. Kerry; Maida, Mary Summo (2016), "Peripheral Nervous System", Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience, Elsevier, pp. 153–231, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-26511-9.00009-6, ISBN 978-0-323-26511-9, retrieved November 2, 2020
  3. ^ a b c Ma, Yun-tao (January 1, 2011), Ma, Yun-tao (ed.), "CHAPTER 8 - Neuroanatomy of Acu-Reflex Points", Acupuncture for Sports and Trauma Rehabilitation, Saint Louis: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 88–131, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-0927-8.00008-7, ISBN 978-1-4377-0927-8, retrieved November 2, 2020
  4. ^ Chang, Ke-Vin; Lin, Chih-Peng; Lin, Chia-Shiang; Wu, Wei-Ting; Karmakar, Manoj K; Özçakar, Levent (January 4, 2017). "Sonographic tracking of trunk nerves: essential for ultrasound-guided pain management and research". Journal of Pain Research. 10: 79–88. doi:10.2147/JPR.S123828. ISSN 1178-7090. PMC 5222601. PMID 28115867.
  5. ^ Akuthota, Venu; Herring, Stanley A. (May 28, 2009). Nerve and Vascular Injuries in Sports Medicine. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9780387766003 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ a b Williams, Brain A.; Neumann, Krystof J.; Goel, Shiv K.; Wu, Christopher L. (2008). "14 - Postoperative Pain and Other Acute Pain Syndromes". Raj's Practical Management of Pain (4th ed.). Mosby. pp. 299–334. doi:10.1016/B978-032304184-3.50017-0. ISBN 978-0-323-04184-3.
  7. ^ a b c d e Rea, Paul (January 1, 2015). "Chapter 2 - Upper Limb Nerve Supply". Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Limbs. Academic Press. pp. 41–100. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803062-2.00002-4. ISBN 978-0-12-803062-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)