The dorsal scapular nerve is a branch of the

brachial plexus The brachial plexus is a network () of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the lower four cervical nerves and first thoracic nerve ( C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1). This plexus extends from the spinal cord, through the cervicoaxillary canal in th ...

. It supplies rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle. It causes the scapula to be moved medially towards the

vertebral column The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine, is part of the axial skeleton. The vertebral column is the defining characteristic of a vertebrate in which the notochord (a flexible rod of uniform composition) found in all chordate ...

. Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can cause a winged scapula, with

pain Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, ...

and limited motion.

Structure

The dorsal scapular nerve arises from the

, usually from the plexus root ( anterior/ventral ramus) of the cervical nerve C5. Once the nerve leaves C5 it commonly pierces the middle scalene muscle. It continues deep to levator scapulae muscle and the rhomboids (minor superior to major). The nerve is accompanied by

dorsal scapular artery The transverse cervical artery (transverse artery of neck or transversa colli artery) is an artery in the neck and a branch of the thyrocervical trunk, running at a higher level than the suprascapular artery. Structure It passes transversely b ...

Function

The dorsal scapular nerve provides motor innervation to the rhomboid muscles. These pull the

scapula The scapula (plural scapulae or scapulas), also known as the shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). Like their connected bones, the scapulae are paired, with each scapula on eithe ...

medially towards the

. It also provides motor innervation to levator scapulae muscle. This elevates the scapula. This helps to stabilise the scapula.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the dorsal scapular nerve is usually apparent on inspection when the

on the injured side is located farther from the midline than the uninjured scapula. The patient would be unable to pull their shoulder back, as when standing at attention. Isolated dorsal scapular nerve injury is uncommon, but case reports usually involve injury to the scalene muscles. The dorsal scapular nerve is typically not anaesthetised during a supraclavicular nerve block. This can cause

after some surgeries.

Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome

Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can be caused by nerve compression syndrome. A winged scapula is the most common symptom.

Shoulder pain Shoulder problems including pain, are one of the more common reasons for physician visits for musculoskeletal symptoms. The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body. However, it is an unstable joint because of the range of motion allowed. ...

may occur. It causes weakness in rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle. The range of motion of the shoulder may be limited. Treatment is usually

conservative Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy that seeks to promote and to preserve traditional institutions, practices, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civilization in ...

Additional images

File:Brachial plexus.svg, Brachial plexus File:Brachial_plexus_color.svg, Brachial plexus with courses of spinal nerves shown File:Thyrocervical_trunk.png, Deep Branch of Transverse Cervical running with Dorsal Scapular

References

External links

* {{Authority control Nerves of the upper limb