The Subscapularis Splitting Technique: Beware the Aberrant Axillary Nerve

We present a case in which the axillary nerve was fortuitously noted to be coursing in an abnormally lateral position anterior to the subscapularis belly exposing the nerve at risk during subscapularis split. Our case clearly represents an important anatomic variant which must be considered when performing the subscapularis splitting approach, as serious and functional deficits will result if the nerve is irrevocably damaged. Beware the aberrant axillary nerve.
Source: Techniques in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Techniques Source Type: research