The Neurovascular Structures in the Triangular Space of the Upper Limb: An Anatomical Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the neuromuscular distribution after passing through the triangular space of the shoulder. Thirty-five specimens from 18 adult Korean cadavers (12 males and 6 females, age ranging from 42-102 years) were used in the study. This study analyzed the order in which the artery entered the muscle from that point the artery passed through the triangular space. The incidence of the first branch of the circumflex scapular artery was 11.4 % for infraspinatus, 5.7 % for teres major, 25.7 % for teres minor, 20.1 % for long head of biceps brachii, 25.7 % for subscapularis, and 11.4 % for subcutaneous tissue. This study investigated the incidence of lack of blood supply from the artery in the triangular space. This incidence was 27.8 % for infraspinatus, 13.0 % for teres major, 5.6 % for teres minor, 38.8 % for long head of triceps brachii, and 14.8 % for subscapularis. Four specimens showed arterial distribution in all surrounding muscles. One specimen identified the nerve branch to innervate teres minor of triangular space of shoulder. The results of this study will be helpful in clinical practice