Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the topography of the main neurovascular bundle located in the posterior aspect of the shoulder and to establish a relatively safe area for a low-risk arthroscopic approach through a posterior portal. A slice anatomy study, using plastinated transparent shoulder joint sections, was performed on ten non-degenerative right shoulder body specimens. Measurements were performed at the level of the suprascapular notch, the coracoid process, and the acromion. The suprascapular nerve was 38.2 ± 0.1 mm, the suprascapular artery 39.4 ± 0.2 mm, and the circumflex scapular artery was 24.8 ± 0.5 mm away from the posterior rim of the acromion at the level of the suprascapular notch. At the level of the coracoid process the suprascapular artery was 34.2 ± 0.5 mm, and the circumflex scapular artery was 50.9 ± 0.3 mm away from the posterior rim of the acromion. Combined measurements of both arteries offered an average distance of 19.8 ± 0.3 mm. The mean distance to the posterior circumflex humeral artery and the axillary nerve was 47.7 ± 1.5 mm and 50.9 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. The present study suggests that, a posterior arthroscopic approach at a level of 4.5 to 5 cm below the posterior rim of the acromion and above the midline of the glenoid joint space poses a low risk for injuries to the neurovascular structures. Keywords: Plastinated cross-sections, arthroscopy, shoulder, axillar nerve