Quadrilateral space syndrome: Diagnosis and clinical management

Patrick T. Hangge, Ilana Breen, Hassan Albadawi, M. Grace Knuttinen, Sailendra G. Naidu, Rahmi Oklu

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

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. Diagnosis can be complicated by the presence of concurrent traumatic injuries, particularly in athletes. Since many other conditions can mimic QSS, it is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Conservative treatment is often first trialed, including physical exercise modification, physical therapy, and therapeutic massage. In patients unrelieved by conservative measures, surgical decompression of the quadrilateral space may be indicated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number86
JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine
Volume7
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 21 2018

Keywords

  • Axillary nerve
  • Digital subtraction angiography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Posterior humeral circumflex artery
  • Quadrilateral space syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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