Dorsal scapular nerve
Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Short description Template:Not to be confused with Template:Infobox nerve
The dorsal scapular nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus, usually derived from the ventral ramus of cervical nerve C5. It provides motor innervation to the rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle.
Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can cause a winged scapula, with pain and limited motion.
StructureEdit
OriginEdit
The dorsal scapular nerve arises from the brachial plexus, usually from the plexus root (anterior (ventral) ramus) of cervical nerve C5.<ref name=":0">Template:Citation</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Citation</ref><ref name=":2">Template:Citation</ref>
Course and relationsEdit
Once the nerve leaves C5 it commonly pierces the middle scalene muscle.<ref name=":0" /> It continues deep to levator scapulae muscle and the rhomboids (minor superior to major).<ref name=":0" />
The nerve is accompanied by dorsal scapular artery.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
FunctionEdit
The dorsal scapular nerve provides motor innervation to the two rhomboid muscles,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and the levator scapulae muscle.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
Clinical significanceEdit
Injury to the dorsal scapular nerve is usually apparent on inspection when the scapula on the injured side is located farther from the midline than the uninjured scapula. The patient would be unable to pull their shoulder back, as when standing at attention. Isolated dorsal scapular nerve injury is uncommon, but case reports usually involve injury to the scalene muscles.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The dorsal scapular nerve is typically not anaesthetised during a supraclavicular nerve block.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> This can cause pain after some surgeries.<ref name=":4" />
Dorsal scapular nerve syndromeEdit
Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can be caused by nerve compression syndrome. A winged scapula is the most common symptom.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite book</ref> Shoulder pain may occur.<ref name=":3" /> It causes weakness in rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle.<ref name=":3" /> The range of motion of the shoulder may be limited.<ref name=":3" /> Treatment is usually conservative.<ref name=":3" />
See alsoEdit
Additional imagesEdit
- Brachial plexus.svg
Brachial plexus
- Brachial plexus color.svg
Brachial plexus with courses of spinal nerves shown
- Thyrocervical trunk.png
Deep Branch of Transverse Cervical running with Dorsal Scapular