suprascapular nerve

Origin

upper trunk of the brachial plexus (C5, C6)

Innervation

• supraspinatus
• infraspinatus
• sensory branches to the posteror superior shoulder joint

Course

• passes inferiorly parallel to the cords of the brachial plexus, then passes through the scapular notch

Pathology

Injury:

• fracture of the middle 1/3 of the clavicle
• loss of lateral rotation at the shoulder, so that the arm rotates medially when relaxed (waiter's tip position)
• ability to initiate abduction at the shoulder is also affected

More general terms

• peripheral nerve