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FULL EXPOSURE OF THE AXILLARY AND SUPRASCAPULAR NERVES

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken 305, Japan

A. Nagano, MD, Associate Professor, Chairman; and Y. Mikami, MD, Associate

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo Branch Hospital, 3-28-6 Mejirodai, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112, Japan

S. Yamamoto, MD, Chief

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, 35 Sakae-chou, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173, Japan.

Correspondence should be sent to Dr N. Ochiai.

We describe a method of exposing the whole length of the axillary and suprascapular nerves through a sabre-cut incision. The coracoid process is osteotomised and part of trapezius is detached from its insertions. The posterior deltoid is freed from its scapular origin to expose infraspinatus.

We have used this approach to explore combined injuries of the axillary and suprascapular nerves with good results, and no serious complications. Its success depends on a meticulous surgical technique.