Longitudinal myotomy of the supraspinatus muscle: a new approach to the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula.

A lateral approach to the shoulder joint via a longitudinal myotomy of the supraspinatus muscle was used in the surgical treatment of four cases involving avulsion fractures of the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula. This approach was developed using cadaver specimens and was compared to previously reported approaches to the supraglenoid tubercle. This approach gave excellent, visualized exposure and permitted accurate reduction and fixation for this type of fracture. Excellent results were achieved in four clinical cases.