Scapular morphometrics inform anatomic landmark distances for arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression: a cadaveric study

Background: Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve (SSN) decompression is an increasingly adopted treatment for SSN entrapment. It involves lateral-to-medial dissection to reach the suprascapular notch, placing adjacent neurovasculature at risk. Despite this, anatomical guidelines for safe dissection in this complex region remain limited. This study aimed to provide anatomical guidance for patient-specific arthroscopic SSN decompression. Methods: Twenty cadaveric shoulders from 10 cadavers were dissected. Distances from SSN and suprascapular artery (SSA) to the lateral insertion of the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) were measured. Distances from the lateral STSL to lateral acromion and acromioclavicular (AC) joint were recorded and correlated with measured scapular dimensions (height, spine length, and width). Results: = .047). Conclusion: The SSA and SSN may lie as close as 1.4 mm and 2.6 mm from the lateral STSL, defining a "lateral danger zone" at the suprascapular notch. The data suggest blunt dissection may cautiously be performed up to 3.0 cm medial to the AC joint and 6.0 cm medial to the lateral acromion. Factoring individual scapular dimensions may further refine patient-specific operative reference distances. These findings may enhance pre-operative planning, surgical training, and intraoperative safety.