Cadaveric dissection study (90 shoulders) measuring the suprascapular nerve's distance from fixed scapular landmarks, combined with a pin-placement experiment (15 shoulders) simulating blind glenoid neck drilling during arthroscopic Bankart repair — to define a safe zone that minimizes iatrogenic nerve injury.
When drilling through the posterior glenoid neck for Bankart repair or anchor placement, aim inferiorly — not medially. To stay in the safe zone; a medially directed drill can exit within 4 mm of the suprascapular nerve.
When mobilizing the cuff for massive tear repair, stay within 2 cm of the glenoid rim posterosuperiorly and within 1 cm at the level of the scapular spine to avoid denervating the infraspinatus.
Cadaveric dissection study (90 shoulders) measuring the suprascapular nerve's distance from fixed scapular landmarks, combined with a pin-placement experiment (15 shoulders) simulating blind glenoid neck drilling during arthroscopic Bankart repair — to define a safe zone that minimizes iatrogenic nerve injury.
When drilling through the posterior glenoid neck for Bankart repair or anchor placement, aim inferiorly — not medially. To stay in the safe zone; a medially directed drill can exit within 4 mm of the suprascapular nerve.
When mobilizing the cuff for massive tear repair, stay within 2 cm of the glenoid rim posterosuperiorly and within 1 cm at the level of the scapular spine to avoid denervating the infraspinatus.