Acute Acromioclavicular Injuries in Adults

The suprascapular nerve and its articular branch to the acromioclavicular joint: an anatomic study

“…10 As a result of the many potential complications, hardware for fixation across the AC joint or between the clavicle and the coracoid should be used sparingly. 15 Shishido et al 12 have suggested a safe zone to avoid injury during surgical procedures. To avoid suprascapular nerve injury caused by blind drilling from the anterior glenoid rim to the posterior aspect of the scapula, Yoneda and Hayashida 17 have recommended that the drill be inserted at specific angles in the transverse and sagittal planes.…”

“…The goals of treatment are to achieve painless full range of motion of the shoulder, to obtain full strength, and to ensure no limitation in activity. 15 Nonoperative treatments for suprascapular nerve injuries should be attempted first for a minimum of 6 to 8 months. Nonoperative treatments include avoidance of certain activities, rehabilitation, and exercises to strengthen the scapular stabilizing muscles.…”

“…5,13 The suprascapular nerve is a mixed motor and sensory nerve originating at the ventral rami of spinal nerves C-4, C-5, and C-6 or at the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. 3,15 It innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles as well as the glenohumeral joint. Compression of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch has been shown to cause atrophy and weakness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.…”

“…It is composed of the lateral end of the clavicle and the acromion of the scapula and functions to anchor the clavicle to the scapula and to the shoulder girdle. 15 The AC joint is surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule that is reinforced by the superior and inferior AC ligaments. The joint capsule and the main muscular stabilizers, which include the deltoid and the trapezius, contribute to maintaining AC joint stability.…”

Acromioclavicular joint injuries: indications for treatment and treatment options

“…CA ligament transfer techniques remain popular, and despite various modifications, are generally referred to as the Weaver-Dunn procedure 9,91 (Fig. 7).…”