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This review aims to analyze the anatomy and variations of supraclavicular nerves to improve surgical outcomes.

May 15, 2026Folia Morphologica0 citationsOpen Access

The anatomy of the cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus and its clinical significance: supraclavicular nerves. A systematic review

WNWiktor A. NiemczykMedical University of Warsaw MDM DuchniewiczUniversity of Cambridge KPKonstancja I. PorzyckaSaarland University

Key Points

This review aims to analyze the anatomy and variations of supraclavicular nerves to improve surgical outcomes.
Conducted a systematic search across major databases like PubMed and Scopus to identify relevant studies.
Excluded review articles, case reports, and studies on animals to focus on original anatomical data.
Assessed methodological quality using the Anatomical Quality Assurance Tool.
Included 5 studies encompassing 175 dissected nerves, with most originating in Europe.
Supraclavicular nerves mainly appear as a single trunk (95% cases), providing skin sensation over the clavicle and shoulder.
Anatomical variations in nerve location and branching are important for avoiding injuries during surgeries.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Supraclavicular nerves (SCNs) emerge from the cervical plexus and provide sensation to the skin over and below the clavicle. Detailed knowledge of their course and variation is especially useful in surgeries of the clavicular and neck regions. Anatomical descriptions of the SCNs remain inconsistent across studies. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of SCN anatomy, including its course, branching pattern, and surgical relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across major electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) to identify original studies reporting morphometric and branching data on SCNs. Studies that were review articles, case reports, letters to the editor, conference abstracts, or performed on animals were excluded. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Anatomical Quality Assurance (AQUA) Tool developed by the Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database, ID CRD420251005988. RESULTS: A total of 5 studies, encompassing 175 dissected nerves, were included in this part of the review. Most studies originated in Europe. Supraclavicular nerves are purely sensory and arise from the cervical plexus, providing sensation to the skin over the shoulder, clavicle, sternoclavicular joint, and acromioclavicular joint. They emerge as a single trunk in 95% of cases, wrapping around the sternocleidomastoid muscle before branching over or within the posterior cervical triangle into medial, intermediate, and lateral SCNs. Supraclavicular nerves cross the clavicle in a predictable pattern, with variations in location and division relevant to clinical and surgical applications. CONCLUSIONS: This review synthesizes data on SCN anatomy. Precise anatomical knowledge of the SCNs is essential to minimize iatrogenic injuries during neck and clavicle surgeries. However, due to variability in study methodologies and reporting quality, further high-quality anatomical studies are needed to refine surgical guidelines and enhance clinical applications.

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