The dorsal scapular nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus, usually derived from the ventral ramus of cervical nerve C5. It provides motor innervation to the rhomboid major muscle, rhomboid minor muscle, and levator scapulae muscle.
Dorsal scapular nerve syndrome can cause a winged scapula, with pain and limited motion.
Structure
Origin
The dorsal scapular nerve arises from the brachial plexus, usually from the plexus root (anterior (ventral) ramus) of cervical nerve C5.
Course and relations
Once the nerve leaves C5 it commonly pierces the middle scalene muscle.
Function
The dorsal scapular nerve provides motor innervation to the two rhomboid muscles,
The dorsal scapular nerve is typically not anaesthetised during a supraclavicular nerve block. This can cause pain after some surgeries. Shoulder pain may occur.