Anatomical study of the articular branch of the lateral pectoral nerve to the shoulder joint

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the distribution of the articular branch of the lateral pectoral nerve (LPN) to the shoulder and to identify a suitable point for its blockade. Methods: This study involved the dissection of 43 shoulders of 22 unembalmed cadavers (6 male and 16 female) to identify the LPN and its articular branch to the shoulder. To identify the suitable anatomical point for blocking the articular branch of the LPN, several anatomical landmarks around the shoulder were measured. Results: The articular branch of the LPN to the shoulder was present in 29 of 43 cases (67.4 %). The appropriate point to block the articular branch of the LPN was identified at a mean distance of 1.5 cm below the clavicle, on the line connecting the closest points between the clavicle and the coracoid process, and at a mean depth of 1.0 cm from the skin. Conclusion: The articular branch of the LPN to the shoulder, as well as the muscular and cutaneous branches of the LPN, covers a portion of the shoulder joint with suprascapular and axillary nerves. Surgeons might consider a peripheral block of the suprascapular, axillary, and LPNs to provide maximum block coverage after shoulder joint surgery.