INNERVATION OF THE HUMAN SHOULDER JOINT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SURGERY

The distribution and variability of the nerves innervating the shoulde r joint were determined in 25 fresh human adult cadavers using 3.5x ma gnification for dissection. The results showed that 100% of the specim ens had dual innervation of the coracoclavicular ligaments, the subacr omial bursa, and the acromioclavicular joint. This dual innervation wa s from the articular branches of the suprascapular nerve and of the la teral pectoral nerve. Constant relationship of these 2 nerves to bony landmarks will permit anesthetic blocks for diagnosis and possible the rapeutic intervention. A consistent pattern of innervation of the post erior and inferior shoulder joints also is described.