Suprascapular Neuropathy around the Shoulder: A Current Concept Review

Abstract

Suprascapular neuropathy is an uncommon but increasingly recognized cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction due to nerve entrapment. The aim of this review is to summarize some important aspects of this shoulder pathology. An extensive research was performed on PubMed and Clinical Key. The goal was to collect all the anatomical, biomechanical and clinical studies to conduct an extensive overview of the issue. Attention was focused on researching the state of art of the diagnosis and treatment. A total of 59 studies were found suitable and included. This condition is more frequently diagnosed in over-head athletes or patients with massive rotator cuff tears. Diagnosis may be complex, whereas its treatment is safe, and it has a great success rate. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as chronic conditions have worse outcomes compared to acute lesions. Proper instrumental evaluation and imaging are essential. Dynamic compression must initially be treated non-operatively. If there is no improvement, surgical release should be considered. On the other hand, soft tissue lesions may first be treated non-operatively. However, surgical treatment by arthroscopic means is advisable when possible as it represents the gold standard therapy. Other concomitant shoulder lesions must be recognized and treated accordingly.

Suprascapular Nerve Release: Technique Based on Anatomic Landmarks

“…Recently, current concepts and state-of-the-art articles have reviewed the indications and technique for SSN release. 24,25 The SSN release technique was reported by Bhatia et al 17 and was first described by Lo et al 18 in 2006. Laurent Lafosse mastered the procedure in 2011.…”

Suprascapular Neuropathy in Collegiate Tennis Player: A Case Report

“…Suprascapular nerve entrapment is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain but is more common in overhead athletes. The true prevalence is unknown, but estimates made from case series in athletes estimate the prevalence to be as high as 12-33% in athletes compared to 1-2% reported in the general population [1][2][3][4][5].…”

“…Suprascapular neuropathy (SSN) is a rare condition and is more commonly seen in overhead athletes due to repetitive movements at the shoulder [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The suprascapular nerve is a mixed motor and sensory nerve that originates from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus with contributions from C5, C6, and occasionally C4 nerve roots [1,6].…”

Upper Extremity Entrapment Neuropathy

“…In addition, hormonal alterations or iatrogenic conditions (arthroscopic tear cuff repair, Latarjet procedure) can also cause suprascapular neuropathy. [8,26,27] If suprascapular nerve entrapment occurs around the suprascapular notch, both supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles; if the spino-glenoid occurs around the notch, only the infraspinatus muscle is affected. [8] Shoulder pain associated with suprascapular neuropathy is seen as secondary to trauma in people involved in sports, and repetitive stretching of the nerve, especially in overhead volleyball players, baseball players, basketball players and dancers, is shown as an etiological factor.…”