Suprascapular Artery

arteria suprascapularis

The suprascapular artery is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk from the subclavian artery. It crosses the base of the neck to reach the superior border of the scapula, where it passes above the superior transverse scapular ligament (while the suprascapular nerve passes below it) and enters the supraspinous fossa to supply the supraspinatus. It then curves around the spinoglenoid notch with the suprascapular nerve to reach and supply the infraspinatus.

Region: Shoulder

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The suprascapular artery provides the dominant blood supply to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and contributes to the anastomotic network around the scapula. It is one of several arteries sacrificed or ligated during radical neck dissection and supraclavicular approaches. The artery's relationship to the superior transverse scapular ligament is opposite to the nerve: artery above, nerve below, a distinction important during suprascapular notch decompression.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Suprascapular Artery Injury in Shoulder Surgery

The artery may be inadvertently ligated or divided during arthroscopic or open posterior shoulder approaches, contributing to supraspinatus and infraspinatus ischaemia in already compromised rotator cuff tissue and potentially impairing healing.