Suprascapular neuropathy Info In-depth Evidence
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
What you're feeling
Suprascapular neuropathy means the nerve that supplies two of your shoulder muscles has been irritated or squeezed. The pain usually sits at the back of the shoulder, towards the outer edge of the shoulder blade. Many people describe it as a dull ache spread around the whole shoulder rather than a sharp pain in one spot.
The ache often builds slowly, and it tends to sit in one area: roughly a hand's width above and behind the main shoulder joint. Overhead activity is a common trigger, so throwing, serving, or reaching up to a high shelf can bring symptoms on or make them worse. Some people also notice clicking, catching, or locking in the shoulder alongside the ache.
If the nerve has been irritated for a long time, the muscles it supplies can waste away. You might notice a hollow or flattened look at the back of your shoulder, above or below the spine of the shoulder blade. This does not happen to everyone, and it depends on how the nerve branches to those muscles in your body.
Day to day, the weakness and ache tend to show up in tasks that need lifting your arm up or out. Reaching a heavy bowl onto a high shelf, hanging washing, or pulling a jumper over your head can feel harder than they used to. Sport that involves overhead movement often becomes the first thing you notice.
The nerve can be squeezed at one of two narrow passages near the shoulder blade, and pressure there is common in people who do a lot of overhead sport. The nerve can also be stretched by repeated overhead activity, or irritated after an injury. Sometimes there is no obvious cause at all, and the nerve simply stops working well on its own.
If any of this sounds familiar, it is worth having your shoulder assessed so the cause can be pinned down.
What's actually happening
The suprascapular nerve is a branch of a larger nerve network that runs from your neck down to your shoulder. It powers two muscles on the back of your shoulder blade that lift and rotate your arm. On its way there, the nerve has to pass through two narrow gaps near the shoulder blade, like a cable threading through tight notches in bone.
At each of these gaps, a small strap of tissue crosses over the nerve. The nerve runs underneath while a blood vessel runs over the top. If the nerve gets squeezed at the first gap, both shoulder muscles are affected. If it gets squeezed at the second, further along, only one is. A fluid-filled sac from a tear in the shoulder lining can also press on the nerve anywhere along its path.
Pressure is not the only problem. The nerve can also be stretched, which happens with years of overhead sport or when a large tendon tear at the shoulder pulls things out of line. In some people there is no squeezing or stretching at all, and the nerve is simply inflamed. This matters because many people thought to have a problem at one narrow gap actually show signs of more widespread nerve irritation, which changes how it is assessed and treated.
The symptoms you read about above follow directly from this. When the nerve cannot carry its signals well, the two muscles weaken and, over time, can waste away. The ache at the back of the shoulder comes from the nerve itself being irritated.
What we can do about it
Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, starts with the least invasive options that suit your condition. Patients are generally referred to our clinic by their GP; if a physiotherapist has suggested you see us, you will still need a referral from your GP in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. At your first visit we take a history, examine your shoulder, and arrange scans if they are needed to confirm the cause.
The first step is usually rest and a change in how you use your shoulder. Cutting back on overhead activity takes pressure off the nerve. Anti-inflammatory medicine can settle the ache while things recover. Physiotherapy aims to keep your shoulder moving normally and strengthen the muscles around your shoulder blade. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that steady the shoulder blade and build up the muscles that control it. We usually give this approach a fair trial before talking about anything further. If the nerve is being squeezed by something like a cyst, or the muscle at the back of your shoulder has already started to waste away, we keep this phase short, no longer than 3 months, so the muscle is not damaged for good.
If these steps have not settled your pain or weakness, surgery may be considered. The operation is called nerve decompression. It frees the nerve where it is squeezed at one of the narrow gaps near your shoulder blade. It is done through keyhole surgery in most cases, and any other problems inside your shoulder can be looked at and treated at the same time.
What to expect
For most people, this condition does not go away on its own if the nerve stays squeezed. If there is nothing pressing on the nerve, the first step is treatment without surgery: physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medicine, and changing how you use your shoulder. Many people settle with this approach. If something like a cyst is squeezing the nerve, or your pain and weakness keep getting worse, surgery to free the nerve is usually considered.
Recovery depends on how long the nerve has been irritated. If the muscles have not wasted away, freeing the nerve often relieves the pain and allows normal shoulder function to return. If the muscles have already wasted, some of that change may not fully reverse, though strength and comfort can still improve. Keyhole surgery to free the nerve has led to pain relief, better muscle signals on testing, and improved shoulder function in the people who had it done. The long-term outlook after this type of surgery appears encouraging, and physiotherapy afterwards helps keep your shoulder working well while protecting it from weakness.
If you also have a large tendon tear at the shoulder, the picture is different. Repairing the tendon can sometimes let the nerve recover on its own. Adding a nerve release to that repair has not been shown to improve results, and it carries a small risk of making the nerve function worse rather than better. Your surgeon will weigh this up carefully with you.
A few honest cautions. The nerve runs close to blood vessels at the narrow gaps where it is freed, and bleeding there is a known risk your surgeon works to avoid. In a small number of people who had the nerve freed through an open incision, further surgery was needed some years later. And if the nerve looks normal on testing before an operation for a tendon tear, releasing it adds no benefit.
None of this is a promise about your individual result. It is a realistic picture of what tends to happen, so you can plan around work, sport, and daily life with clear expectations.
When to see someone
See your GP if you have an ache at the back of your shoulder that has hung around for more than a few weeks, especially if you do a lot of overhead sport or work. Ask for a specialist review if the ache comes with weakness when lifting your arm up or out, or if you notice the muscles at the back of your shoulder looking hollow or flattened. Also ask if your shoulder clicks, catches, or locks alongside the pain, or if the spot a hand's width above and behind the joint is tender to press. These signs point to the nerve being squeezed or irritated, and the sooner it is checked, the better the chance of protecting those muscles before they waste away.
In more depth
Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)
This section goes further than you need for your own treatment decisions. Suprascapular neuropathy is worth the extra reading because the same nerve appears in two quite different roles, as a cause of shoulder pain and weakness, and as a target for pain relief, and the evidence for the two is very different in quality.
Decompression works, with a caveat about attribution
Where the nerve is compressed, releasing it is effective. Across 730 patients, suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes, is non-inferior to similar procedures performed without decompression, and is associated with high rates of return to sport and relatively low rates of adverse events [1].
The phrase doing the work there is "non-inferior to similar procedures without decompression". The nerve is frequently released during an operation done for another reason, a cuff repair, or removal of a ganglion at the shoulder blade, so attributing the improvement to the decompression itself is difficult. It helps, and it does not make the accompanying procedure worse.
Why the level of compression changes the picture
The nerve passes through two narrow points as it wraps around the shoulder blade, and which one is involved determines the presentation.
Compression at the suprascapular notch, higher up, affects both supraspinatus and infraspinatus, producing weakness in lifting and external rotation along with pain. Compression at the spinoglenoid notch, further along, affects only infraspinatus, producing external rotation weakness and visible wasting in the hollow below the spine of the shoulder blade, often with little pain.
The isolated-wasting presentation is the one that gets missed, because it does not hurt much. The commonest cause at that level is a ganglion cyst arising from a labral tear, which means finding this pattern should prompt a search for the cyst and the tear behind it, since treating the cause addresses the nerve.
As a pain block, the evidence is thinner than its use suggests
The same nerve is widely blocked with local anaesthetic for shoulder pain, both after surgery and in chronic conditions. Reviewing physical harms across 4,142 patients, the block carries a low risk of physical harm, but the authors note heterogeneity in the intervention and low-quality evidence, and call for better assessment and reporting of harms [2].
"Low risk of harm on low-quality evidence" is a specific and limited claim. It supports the block being reasonably safe; it is not a statement about how well it works, and it should not be read as one.
The distinction worth carrying away
Two things share this nerve's name and should not be conflated. A neuropathy is a structural problem where the nerve is compressed and can often be decompressed, with wasting and weakness as its signature. A nerve block is a symptomatic treatment that interrupts pain signalling from the joint and changes nothing structural.
Weakness and visible wasting point to the first. Pain alone, without those findings, usually points elsewhere, and a block that relieves it is providing analgesia rather than confirming a diagnosis.
References for the advanced reading
- Sandler AB, Wells ME, Tran C, Arakawa R, Klahs KJ, Scanaliato JP, et al. High rates of return to sport after suprascapular nerve decompression: a systematic review. JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2024;4(4):654-61.
- Annison DR, Smith N, Salt E, Noblet T, Rangan A, McDaid C. Physical harms associated with suprascapular nerve block interventions: a systematic review. Shoulder Elbow. 2024;17(3):236-53.
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview
- The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [1].
- Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation of patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy [2].
- Shoulder surgeons should be cognizant of the parameters that constitute an abnormal electrophysiologic study for suprascapular neuropathy [2].
- Suprascapular neuropathy has been described with complete neurogenic fatty replacement in patients with intact rotator cuff tendons in the absence of traction or compression mechanisms [3].
- Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not have a significant clinical impact [4].
- Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not predispose to an acute postoperative lesion [4].
- In a young, active cohort, suprascapular neuropathy presented with one of two distinct primary presenting complaints: pain or weakness [5].
- Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes [6].
- Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in significant improvements from before to after surgery [6].
- In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [7].
- Initial treatment of isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification [8].
- Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted for isolated suprascapular neuropathy when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [8].
- Decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch did not lead to a better functional outcome compared to repair alone in patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy [9].
- No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time [10].
- Further research is necessary to better delineate the indications for suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair [10].
- Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone [22].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
Nerve Course and Entrapment Sites
- The suprascapular nerve courses from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to its motor insertion on the supraspinatus and, more distally, the infraspinatus [13].
- The superior transverse scapular ligament arises from the medial base of the coracoid overlying the suprascapular notch [32].
- The suprascapular artery runs superior to the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the nerve runs deep to it [32].
- Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch causes denervation of both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus [32].
- The spinoglenoid ligament overlies the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch [32].
- Entrapment, traction, or compression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch causes denervation of the infraspinatus [32].
- Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch, including abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers, anterior coracoscapular ligament, and calcified superior transverse scapular ligament, are predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment [47].
- The distances from the posterolateral corner of the acromion to the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches were approximately 43 and 32 mm, respectively, regardless of height and sex [46].
Etiology and Mechanisms
- Suprascapular nerve neuropathy occurs when the nerve is injured along its course from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to its motor insertion on the supraspinatus and infraspinatus [13].
- Nerve injury can occur from either compression or traction [13].
- Cystic lesions arising from a labral or capsular tear can compress the nerve along its course over the scapula [13].
- Nerve traction is theorized to arise from chronic overhead athletics or due to a retracted rotator cuff tear [13].
- Suprascapular neuropathy with complete neurogenic fatty replacement has been described in patients with intact rotator cuff tendons in the absence of traction or compression mechanisms [3].
- A lipoma can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [11].
- A large hematoma of the scapula can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [16].
- Malpositioned superior screws from reverse shoulder arthroplasty can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [28].
- Placement of the superior and posterior screws in the glenoid baseplate during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty risks injury to the suprascapular nerve [48].
Pathophysiology and Tissue Changes
- Suprascapular nerve injury is an underlying mechanism leading to compromise of the rotator cuff enthesis structure [12].
- Suprascapular nerve injury may cause severe fatty changes and inhibition of postoperative tendon healing in large rotator cuff tears [51].
- Decompression provides reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete [18].
Classification
- Suprascapular neuropathy can present secondary to various etiologies including entrapment or compression [13].
- Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve usually occurs at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch [19].
- Suprascapular nerve entrapment has been reported secondary to a lipoma [11].
- Varicose veins at the spinoglenoidal notch have been identified as an unusual cause of suprascapular nerve compression [19].
- Suprascapular neuropathy is associated with rotator cuff tendon tears and fatty degeneration [1].
- Chronic rotator cuff tendon tears and suprascapular neuropathy are both associated with fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles, but the pattern of fatty infiltration is markedly different in the two situations [14].
- Suprascapular nerve injury can occur after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, with correlation to screw out of vault penetration [4].
Clinical Presentation
- Suprascapular neuropathy is a potential source of shoulder pain and functional limitation [13].
- Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome was first described and correctly interpreted by André Thomas in 1936, predating the commonly credited work of Kopell and Thompson [21].
Investigations
- Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation for patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy [2].
- High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to evaluate complex cases of nerve entrapment [49].
- MRI-documented spontaneous resolution of a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy has been reported [52].
- Surgical treatment for a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy could be withheld if patients show signs of clinical recovery, provided they are followed closely [52].
- A complete history and physical, careful attention to auxiliary tests, and treatment of multiple diagnoses in the same shoulder avoids missed pathologic features and necessity for revision operations [11].
- The pattern of fatty infiltration is markedly different in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendon tears compared to those with suprascapular neuropathy [14].
- Chronic rotator cuff tendon tears and suprascapular neuropathy are both associated with fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles [14].
- The axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula is oriented so that both the spinoglenoid notch and the scapular neck are visible [24].
- Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder evaluation [24].
- The temptation to "overimage" should be resisted, obtaining only the scans or reconstructions that are necessary for the care of the patient [24].
- CT scans may offer a few degrees of increased precision in the measurement of glenoid version, but this precision does not improve the quality of the surgery or the clinical outcome [24].
- The purpose of imaging of the shoulder is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [24].
- At least two X-ray views should be obtained: an anteroposterior in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction to show the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [37].
- Magnetic resonance imaging is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head, or a bone tumour [37].
- Magnetic resonance imaging can identify labral tears and rotator cuff tears, although the accuracy for these is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [37].
- Computed tomography is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [37].
- Ultrasound is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [37].
- Ultrasound can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage (aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff) [37].
- Arthroscopy is useful for diagnosing and treating subacromial impingement, intra-articular lesions, detachment of the glenoid labrum and rotator cuff tears [37].
- The shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [39].
- Critical relationships—such as the degree of centering of the humeral head—change with the position of the arm [39].
- Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [39].
- Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [39].
- Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields the information necessary to treat the patient while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [39].
Treatment
Non-Operative
- Nonoperative treatment should include a period of rest and activity modification, and antiinflammatory medication followed by a supervised physical therapy program [41].
- The focus of physical therapy is to preserve the normal physiologic range of motion of the shoulder and strengthen the shoulder girdle [41].
- Physical therapy exercises include scapular stabilization, and resistive strength straining of the trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus musculature [41].
- When a space occupying lesion is present or there is visible atrophy of the infraspinatus, the course of nonoperative treatment should be minimal (maximum 3 months) to avoid irreversible damage to the infraspinatus [41].
Operative
- Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [8].
- The primary indications for arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve and the spinoglenoid notch are a prolonged course of symptoms, most commonly a chronic ache in the posterolateral aspect of the shoulder, and a failed minimum 6 month course of nonoperative treatment [41].
- Arthroscopic SSN decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery [6].
- Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings and marked improvement in pain relief and function [44].
- Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve and transverse ligament is a safe and effective treatment for competitive swimmers with suprascapular neuropathy, allowing return to sport with resolution of pain and improvement in function [45].
- Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function [15].
- Decompression gives reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete [18].
- Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive RCTs and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone [22].
- No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time, and further research is necessary to better delineate the indications in the future [10].
Postoperative Rehabilitation
- In cases of isolated suprascapular nerve palsy at the spinoglenoid notch, patients were placed in a simple sling with immediate initiation of pendulum exercises and passive range of motion [42].
- Patients were seen again at 1 week after surgery to assess strength and begin physical therapy, which consisted of passive range-of-motion and isometric exercises [42].
- If significant infraspinatus atrophy was present, electrical stimulation was used [42].
- Resistance and overhead exercises started at 4 to 8 weeks postoperatively in cases of isolated suprascapular nerve decompression at the spinoglenoid notch [42].
Complications
- Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not have a significant clinical impact and do not predispose to an acute postoperative lesion [4].
Recovery
- Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery [6].
- Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved following treatment for suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula [16].
Key Evidence
- [L3] The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear. [1] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.011)
- [L4] Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation of patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy and be cognizant of the parameters that constitute an abnormal study. [2] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.039)
- [L4] This is the first description of suprascapular neuropathy with complete neurogenic fatty replacement in patients with intact rotator cuff tendons in the absence of traction or compression mechanisms. [3] (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.01.010)
- [L1] Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not have a significant clinical impact and do not predispose to an acute postoperative lesion. [4] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.06.026)
- [L4] In this young, active cohort, suprascapular neuropathy presented with one of two distinct primary presenting complaints: pain or weakness. [5] (10.1177/2325967123s00003)
- [L4] Arthroscopic SSN decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery. [6] (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.020)
- [L4] In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively. [7] (10.2106/00004623-199708000-00007)
- [L5] Initial treatment of isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification; however, open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness. [8] (10.2106/jbjs.i.01743)
- [L3] Decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch did not lead to a better functional outcome compared to repair alone in patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy. [9] (10.1186/s12891-021-04075-1)
- [L4] No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time, and further research is necessary to better delineate the indications in the future. [10] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.033)
- [L4] A complete history and physical, careful attention to auxiliary tests, and treatment of multiple diagnoses in the same shoulder avoids missed pathologic features and necessity for revision operations. [11] (10.1097/01.blo.0000063791.32430.59)
- [L5] This study identifies suprascapular nerve injury as an underlying mechanism leading to compromise of the rotator cuff enthesis structure. [12] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.028)
- [L5] [13] (10.5435/jaaos-d-19-00526)
- [L4] Chronic rotator cuff tendon tears and suprascapular neuropathy are both associated with fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles, but the pattern of fatty infiltration is markedly different in the two situations. [14] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.028)
- [L4] Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function. [15] (10.1177/03635465990270062101)
- [Case_report] Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved. [16] (10.1186/s12891-023-06723-0)
- [L5] Decompression gives reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete. [18] (10.5435/00124635-199911000-00002)
- [L4] Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve usually occurs at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch. [19] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.05.022)
- [L4] Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome was first described and correctly interpreted by André Thomas in 1936, predating the commonly credited work of Kopell and Thompson. [21] (10.2106/00004623-200108000-00018)
- [L1] Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive RCTs and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone. [22] (10.1177/03635465211021834)
- [Case_report] This case is the first report of malpositioned superior screw from reverse shoulder arthroplasty causing suprascapular nerve entrapment. [28] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.004)
- [L4] [41] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.04.004)
- [L4] [42] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.03.009)
- [L4] Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings and marked improvement in pain relief and function. [44] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.003)
- [L4] Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve and transverse ligament is a safe and effective treatment for competitive swimmers with suprascapular neuropathy, allowing return to sport with resolution of pain and improvement in function. [45] (10.1177/0363546513477383)
- [L4] Regardless of height and sex, the distances from the posterolateral corner of the acromion to the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches were approximately 43 and 32 mm, respectively. [46] (10.1016/j.jseint.2022.04.002)
- [L4] Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch, including abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers, anterior coracoscapular ligament, and calcified superior transverse scapular ligament, are predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment. [47] (10.1007/s00167-003-0378-3)
- [L5] Placement of the superior and posterior screws in the glenoid baseplate during rTSA risks injury to the SSN. [48] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.008)
- [L5] They recommend high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate complex cases of nerve entrapment. [49] (10.1007/s11552-014-9652-8)
- [L5] In clinical settings, SN injury may cause severe fatty changes and inhibition of postoperative tendon healing in large RCTs. [51] (10.5397/cise.2022.01207)
- [Case_report] The authors report the first MRI-documented spontaneous resolution of a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy, proposing that surgical treatment could be withheld if patients show signs of clinical recovery, provided they are followed closely. [52] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.014)
References
[1] Association of suprascapular neuropathy with rotator cuff tendon tears and fatty degeneration. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.011
[2] Suprascapular neuropathy in a shoulder referral practice. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.039
[3] Complete Fatty Infiltration of Intact Rotator Cuffs Caused by Suprascapular Neuropathy. Arthroscopy. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.01.010
[4] Suprascapular nerve injury after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: correlation with screw out of vault penetration and functional situation: prospective study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.06.026
[5] Paper 03: Suprascapular Neuropathy: Two Distinct Presentations and Outcomes of Decompression. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00003
[6] Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Suprascapular Nerve Decompression for Suprascapular Neuropathy. Arthroscopy. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.020
[7] Suprascapular Neuropathy. Results of Non-Operative Treatment. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery*. 1997. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-199708000-00007
[8] Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.i.01743
[9] Comparison of clinical outcome of decompression of suprascapular nerve at spinoglenoid notch for patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04075-1
[10] Suprascapular neuropathy: what does the literature show?. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.033
[11] Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Secondary to a Lipoma. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2003. DOI: 10.1097/01.blo.0000063791.32430.59
[12] Effect of suprascapular nerve injury on rotator cuff enthesis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.028
[13] The Evaluation and Management of Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2020. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-19-00526
[14] A comparative analysis of fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy in patients with chronic rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.028
[15] Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment at the Spinoglenoid Notch in a Professional Baseball Pitcher. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1999. DOI: 10.1177/03635465990270062101
[16] Suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula: a case report. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06723-0
[18] Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1999. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-199911000-00002
[19] Varicose veins at the spinoglenoidal notch: an unusual cause of suprascapular nerve compression. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2011.05.022
[21] Who Really First Described and Explained the Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome?. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2001. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-200108000-00018
[22] Outcomes of Arthroscopic Nerve Release in Patients Treated for Large or Massive Rotator Cuff Tears and Associated Suprascapular Neuropathy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/03635465211021834
[24] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Arthroscopic Management of Prearthritic and Arthritic Conditions of the Shoulder and the Postarthroplasty Shoulder > Radiographic Evaluation.
[28] Suprascapular neuropathy secondary to reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A case report. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.004
[32] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Anatomy of the Shoulder, Arm, and Elbow > I. Shoulder.
[37] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. INVESTIGATION.
[39] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > SENIOR EDITOR COMMENTARY.
[41] Endoscopic/arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch: indications and surgical technique. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.04.004
[42] Suprascapular nerve entrapment isolated to the spinoglenoid notch: surgical technique and results of open decompression. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.03.009
[44] Arthroscopic Release of Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment at the Suprascapular Notch: Technique and Preliminary Results. Arthroscopy. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.003
[45] Suprascapular Neuropathy as a Cause of Swimmer’s Shoulder. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013. DOI: 10.1177/0363546513477383
[46] An anatomical study for the location of suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches using three-dimensional computed tomography images of scapula. JSES International. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2022.04.002
[47] Variations in anatomy at the suprascapular notch possibly causing suprascapular nerve entrapment: an anatomical study. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2003. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-003-0378-3
[48] Risk of suprascapular nerve injury during glenoid baseplate fixation for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a cadaveric study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.008
[49] Subclavius Posticus: An Anomalous Muscle in Association with Suprascapular Nerve Compression in an Athlete. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-014-9652-8
[51] Effect of suprascapular nerve injury on muscle and regenerated enthesis in a rat rotator cuff tear model. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2023. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2022.01207
[52] Spontaneous resolution of a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy: A case report. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.014
