DORSAL SCAPULAR NERVE COMPRESSION ATYPICAL THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

The dorsal scapular nerve and long thoracic nerve of 10 cadavers (20 s ides) and 36 patients with dorsal scapular nerve compression were stud ied anatomically. The origin of the dorsal scapular nerve of a section frequently shared a common trunk with the long thoracic nerve, and we nt through the scalenus medius anterointernally and posterolaterally w ith the presence of some tendinous tissues. Leaving the long thoracic nerve, it might give branches to the shoulder and the subaxillary regi on and finally have the branches join the long thoracic nerve again. T he compression of the section near the origin caused discomfort and so urness of the neck, shoulder and back region. Clinically, the severanc e of the scalenus anterior and medius ameliorated or relieved the comp ression of the dorsal scapular nerve, Complete decompression required cutting of the scalenus medius and its tendinous tissue superficial to the dorsal scapular nerve. Among 24 sides of 22 patients undergoing s urgery, the symptoms of 20 sides of 19 patients were completely or par tially relieved.