Abstract
The authors explain how one can view the greatest part of the subscapularis tendon
from the subacromial aspect. From the articular aspect, it is possible to see only
about one third of its entire surface. We also describe the standardized surgical
technique used to obtain this visualization. To visualize the greatest possible surface
of the tendon, it is necessary to make a trip to the subacromial space starting from
the coracoacromial ligament, which leads us to the key structure: the coracoid. Having
reached the coracoid, one goes further, following the conjoined tendon under which
the subscapularis tendon is located. This last part of the trip takes place in a dark
and potentially dangerous area because of its proximity to noble structures. In fact,
the axillary nerve is easily identified on the way. Arthroscopic visualization of
the greatest part of the subscapularis tendon is possible from the subacromial space.
The technique is standard and follows a well-defined path. The exploration and conquest
of this dark space through arthroscopy can open new frontiers both in knowledge and
treatment.
Key Words
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Article info
Footnotes
Cite this article as: Paribelli G, Boschi S. Complete subscapularis tendon visualization and axillary nerve identification by arthroscopic technique. Arthroscopy 2005;21:1016.e1-1016.e5 [doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2005.05.031].
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
