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What is a quadrilateral space?

What is a quadrilateral space?

The quadrangular space (also known as the quadrilateral space) is an anatomic interval formed by the shaft of the humerus laterally, the long head of the triceps medially, the teres minor muscle superiorly, and the teres major muscle inferiorly.

What is quadrangular space syndrome?

Quadrilateral space syndrome (QSS) is a rare disorder characterized by axillary nerve and posterior humeral circumflex artery (PHCA) compression within the quadrilateral space. Impingement is most frequently due to trauma, fibrous bands, or hypertrophy of one of the muscular borders.

What are the boundaries of the quadrangular space?

Located in the axilla, the quadrangular space is bordered superiorly by subscapularis muscle (by teres minor muscle when viewed posteriorly), inferiorly by teres major muscle, laterally by the surgical neck of the humerus and medially by the long head of triceps brachii muscle.

Where is the quadrilateral space?

The quadrangular space (or quadrilateral space) is one of three spaces located in the posterior compartment of the arm, along with the lateral triangular space and medial triangular space.

Why is quadrangular space important?

The quadrangular space is a clinically important anatomic space in the arm as it provides the anterior regions of the axilla a passageway to the posterior regions. Symptoms include axillary nerve related weakness of the deltoid muscle in the case of any significant mass lesions in the quadrangular space.

What happens if axillary nerve is damaged?

Axillary nerve dysfunction is nerve damage that can lead to a loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder. Conditions associated with axillary nerve dysfunction include fracture of the humerus (upper arm bone), pressure from casts or splints, and improper use of crutches.

What is the clinical importance of the quadrangular space?

Clinical significance The quadrangular space is a clinically important anatomic space in the arm as it provides the anterior regions of the axilla a passageway to the posterior regions.

What muscles form the quadrangular space?

Three muscles directly comprise the quadrangular space; the teres minor, teres major, and long head of the triceps brachii. The teres minor originates on the lateral border of the scapula, inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus, and functions with glenohumeral joint external rotation.

What muscles make up triangular space?

Triangular Space

  • inferior: teres major.
  • lateral: long head of triceps.
  • superior: lower border of teres minor.

How do you fix axillary nerve damage?

If your symptoms continue or get worse, you may need surgery. If a trapped nerve is causing your symptoms, surgery to release the nerve may help you feel better. Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength. Job changes, muscle retraining, or other forms of therapy may be recommended.

Can axillary nerve damage be repaired?

In many cases, axillary nerve injury will heal on its own. This may take several months. During that time it is important to do physical therapy to maintain flexibility across the shoulder joint. If after several months, the weakness does not improve, then surgery to treat the nerve injury is indicated.

How deep is the radial nerve?

In the Forearm

Superficial Branch Deep Branch
Sensory functions Sensory loss affecting the lateral 3 ½ digits, and associated the associated area on the dorsum of the hand. None

What is the treatment for quadrilateral space syndrome?

Quadrilateral Space Syndrome. Treatment: For minor symptoms, little weakness and no significant mass lesion on MR scanning rehabilitation and functional strengthening can result in improvements over a few months. For significant weakness and functional disability surgical decompression is indicated.

Where is the quadrilateral space located in the body?

The quadrilateral space is located posterior and inferior to the glenohumeral joint and contains the axillary nerve and posterior humeral circumflex artery. The space is bounded superiorly by the teres minor muscle, inferiorly by the teres major muscle, medially by the long head of the triceps, and laterally by the humeral shaft.

What causes tightness in the quadrilateral space?

The typical causes of QSS are: – Fibrous bands in the quadrilateral space, tightening in abduction and external rotation. – Paralabral cysts, associated with inferior labral tears is the commonest cause we have found, especially in contact athletes.

What causes fibrous bands in the quadrilateral space?

– Fibrous bands in the quadrilateral space, tightening in abduction and external rotation. – Paralabral cysts, associated with inferior labral tears is the commonest cause we have found, especially in contact athletes. QSS typically occurs in in young athletic adults in the age range of 25 to 35 years without a history of significant trauma.