Suprascapular Neuropathy around the Shoulder: A Current Concept Review

Eхperience of endoscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve

Background: Suprascapular nerve neuropathy is a commonly spread pathology, caused by a traction force trauma or compression in the scapular notch area. In the case of a conservative treatment failure, a standard surgical procedure is neurolysis (decompression) of the suprascapular nerve in the scapular notch. This procedure can be done in an open manner or endoscopically. Aims: to evaluate the results of endoscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve in the scapular notch area at a 6 months follow-up. Methods: We operated 10 patients with the clinical picture of posttraumatic suprascapular nerve neuropathy in the period from 2015 to 2021. The mean age of patients was 52.311.8. All the patients underwent the shoulder joint and subacromial space arthroscopy, and decompression of the suprascapular nerve in the scapular notch area. Results: According to the VAS-scale, the severity of pain syndrome before the surgery was 6 cm, while in 6 months after the surgery it decreased to 2 cm. According to the DASH scale, the dysfunction of the of shoulder joint before the surgery was 70 points, in 6 months after the surgery it decreased to 10 points. The range of motion in the shoulder joint before the surgery was: flexion 15514,4, abduction 14042, external rotation 125,6; 6 months after the surgery we observed: flexion 17415,6, abduction 17514,4, external rotation 489. Conclusion: The obtained results let us characterize the method of endoscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve as a low-traumatic and effective technique, which promotes restoration of the function of the suprascapular nerve and shoulder joint, and elimination of pain syndrome from the shoulder area.

A Tale of Two Suprascapular Neuropathy Presentations: A Case ReportLearning Point of the Article

Introduction

Supra-scapular nerve (SSN) neuropathy is a rare condition that can cause shoulder dysfunction. Prior literature has identified mass effect, space occupying lesions, trauma, and repetitive overhead activities as possible etiologies.

Cases Presentations

We report two cases of SSN neuropathy; a 21-year-old competitive female volleyball player with traction associated neuropathy and a 45-year-old male with a large paralabral ganglion cyst causing compressive neuropathy.

Conclusion

The following report highlights two different etiologies of SSN neuropathy and reviews the treatment of these conditions. Clinicians should consider SSN neuropathy in patients with unexplained shoulder pain and dysfunction.

Suprascapular Neuropathy in Collegiate Tennis Player: A Case Report

Suprascapular neuropathy can be seen in overhead athletes and should be considered when evaluating an overhead athlete presenting with shoulder pain and/or weakness. The suprascapular nerve innervates the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus, but dynamic entrapment as it passes under the spinoglenoid ligament at the spinoglenoid notch can lead to isolated denervation of the infraspinatus. Specific movements common in tennis cause tensioning and compression of the spinoglenoid ligament and may predispose players to dynamic entrapment at this location. We present a case of an 18-year-old male collegiate tennis player presenting with suprascapular neuropathy causing isolated denervation of the infraspinatus. This case illustrates the consequences of noncompliance with physical therapy and serves as a review of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of suprascapular neuropathy.

New Trends in Shoulder Surgery from Biomechanics to the Operating Room

After a rigorous peer review process, twelve papers were accepted and published [...].

Suprascapular Nerve Release: Technique Based on Anatomic Landmarks

Dysfunction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is closely related to rotator cuff pathology; nerve dysfunction can lead to cuff disease and vice versa. Owing to repetitive microtrauma during overhead sports or massive cuff tears with significant tendon retraction, the SSN may suffer compression or traction neuropathy at the suprascapular notch. The SSN release technique has already been described. However, on the basis of the many hands-on cadaveric laboratories in which we have participated in the past 20 years, only a few instructors and almost none of the attendants have shown the experience and skill set needed to release the SSN at the suprascapular notch. Therefore, a review of the surgical technique following the anatomic descriptions of an expert anatomist (P.G.) of the shoulder girdle is quite valuable.