Descompressão do nervo supraescapular Folheto Consentimento

Esta página foi traduzida automaticamente e ainda não foi verificada por um médico. A versão em inglês é a versão oficial.

Por que esta cirurgia foi sugerida

O Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirurgião de membro superior no Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, começa com as opções menos invasivas adequadas ao seu quadro clínico. Em geral, os pacientes são encaminhados à nossa clínica pelo médico generalista; caso um fisioterapeuta tenha sugerido que você nos procure, ainda assim será necessário um encaminhamento do seu médico generalista para que você tenha direito ao reembolso do Medicare. Na sua consulta, colhemos o histórico clínico, examinamos o seu ombro e solicitamos exames de imagem ou testes nervosos, conforme necessário. O nervo suprascapular é um nervo que percorre a parte posterior do ombro e inerva alguns dos músculos dessa região. Quando algo exerce pressão sobre ele, pode ocorrer dor surda e latejante na parte posterior ou lateral do ombro, além de fraqueza ou atrofia desses músculos. Geralmente, esse quadro é tratado inicialmente sem cirurgia, por meio de fisioterapia, medicamentos anti-inflamatórios e modificações nas atividades diárias. Consideramos a cirurgia quando essas medidas não proporcionam melhoria suficiente ou quando algo está claramente comprimindo o nervo. A operação visa libertar o nervo dessa pressão. Seu objetivo é aliviar a dor e melhorar a força e a função do seu ombro. Conversaremos sobre se esse procedimento é adequado para você e decidiremos em conjunto.

Antes da operação

A maior parte dos preparativos deve ser feita antes da sua chegada ao hospital. Você precisará suspender a ingestão de alimentos e líquidos sete horas antes da cirurgia. Pedimos sete horas em vez de seis para que possamos adiantar o seu atendimento caso a lista de cirurgias avance mais cedo. O seu cirurgião informará quais dos seus medicamentos habituais devem ser suspensos e quando; portanto, leve uma lista por escrito de todos os medicamentos que toma. Providencie alguém para levá-lo para casa após a cirurgia, pois você não poderá dirigir. Use roupas folgadas e confortáveis, fáceis de tirar. Poderão ser necessários exames de imagem, como radiografias, ressonância magnética ou ultrassonografia, para planejar a operação e determinar exatamente onde o nervo está sendo comprimido. Caso tenha outras condições médicas, poderão ser necessários exames de sangue ou uma avaliação com o anestesista.

No dia da cirurgia

Você chegará à unidade de admissão cirúrgica do hospital, onde será registrado e preparado para a sala de operações. Antes da cirurgia, encontrará o anestesista. Esta cirurgia é realizada sob anestesia geral combinada com bloqueio nervoso regional. O anestesista se encontrará com você antes da operação e explicará ambos os procedimentos.

Em seguida, você será levado para a sala de operações, onde a cirurgia será realizada. Ao final, acordará na área de recuperação. As enfermeiras monitorarão você ali, enquanto a anestesia vai passando. Quando seu estado estiver estável, você será encaminhado para um quarto ou poderá ir para casa no mesmo dia, dependendo do tipo de procedimento e da evolução da sua recuperação.

Como é realizada a operação

Trata-se de uma cirurgia minimamente invasiva. O cirurgião fará alguns pequenos cortes ao redor do seu ombro, incluindo um na parte posterior, e trabalhará através deles utilizando uma pequena câmera. A câmera transmite imagens do interior do ombro para uma tela, dispensando a necessidade de uma incisão grande.

O nervo supraescapular passa por canais estreitos no osso localizado na parte de trás do ombro. Em algumas pessoas, uma faixa de tecido apertado ou um saco cheio de líquido comprimem esse nervo nessa região. O cirurgião utiliza a câmera para localizar o ponto onde o nervo está sendo pressionado. Em seguida, ele libera essa faixa de tecido ou remove o saco, permitindo que o nervo volte a ter espaço livre. O próprio nervo não é manipulado. Caso você apresente outros problemas no ombro, como um tendão rompido, o cirurgião geralmente consegue tratar essas condições através dos mesmos pequenos cortes.

Os cortes são fechados com pontos de sutura. Será aplicado um curativo sobre as incisões, que permanecerá por cerca de 10 dias.

Após a operação

A maioria dos pacientes permanece uma noite no hospital após esta operação, embora alguns possam ir para casa no mesmo dia. Você acordará na sala de recuperação, onde as enfermeiras ficarão de olho em você enquanto o efeito da anestesia passa. Seu ombro poderá ficar dolorido ou pesado; as enfermeiras podem administrar medicamentos para mantê-lo confortável. Seu braço ficará apoiado em uma tipoia simples para maior conforto; ela é retirada para a higiene e para a realização dos exercícios. Alguém deve ficar com você nas primeiras 24 horas após voltar para casa. Mantenha os curativos limpos e secos. Deixamos o curativo por cerca de 10 dias; por favor, não o retire antes disso, a menos que orientados por nós. Trocamos ou retiramos o curativo na sua consulta de acompanhamento. Você pode se movimentar pela casa a partir do dia da cirurgia; movimentos suaves das mãos e do cotovelo ajudam na circulação sanguínea. Você não poderá dirigir por pelo menos seis semanas; quando o cirurgião autorizar, geralmente na consulta de acompanhamento aos seis semanas, consulte Dirigir após cirurgia no membro superior.

Recuperação

Nos primeiros dias, seu ombro ficará dolorido e um pouco inchado. Isso melhora gradualmente à medida que o nervo se recupera. O repouso, manter o braço no sling e os analgésicos receitados ajudarão a aliviar o desconforto. Os pequenos cortes ao redor do ombro cicatrizam durante o período de curativo, e nós os examinamos durante as consultas de acompanhamento.

Inicialmente, o braço fica apoiado em um sling simples para maior conforto. Ele é retirado para a higiene e para a realização dos exercícios. Seu fisioterapeuta orientará movimentos suaves e, posteriormente, aumentará a intensidade conforme seu ombro permitir. A partir do dia da cirurgia, você poderá se locomover pela casa; movimentos leves com a mão e o cotovelo ajudam na circulação sanguínea. Você não deverá dirigir por pelo menos seis semanas; após autorização do cirurgião, geralmente na consulta de revisão aos seis semanas, consulte Dirigir após cirurgia no membro superior.

À medida que o inchaço diminui e os movimentos voltam ao normal, as tarefas cotidianas ficam mais fáceis. Você perceberá melhora na força de preensão e na capacidade de levantar objetos, à medida que os músculos ao redor do ombro recuperam a força. Na maioria dos casos, a dor diminui e o ombro fica mais forte com o tempo. Quando conseguir usar o braço nas atividades diárias sem dor, poderá retornar gradualmente ao trabalho e às atividades de lazer, sempre respeitando as limitações impostas pelo seu ombro.

A recuperação varia de pessoa para pessoa. Seu cronograma pode ser diferente, e seu cirurgião e fisioterapeuta o guiarão em cada etapa.

O que pode dar errado

A maioria dos pacientes se recupera bem, mas, ocasionalmente, podem surgir problemas. O seu cirurgião e a equipe monitoram você de perto para detectar qualquer problema precocemente.

O nervo que está sendo tratado pode, às vezes, ficar irritado durante a cirurgia. Se isso acontecer, você pode notar uma nova fraqueza nos músculos do ombro ou do braço, ou uma área de dormência ou formigamento que antes não existia. Informe ao seu cirurgião na próxima consulta se notar essas alterações.

A cirurgia artroscópica do ombro apresenta um pequeno risco de infecção. Fique atento aos pequenos cortes no ombro. Os sinais incluem dor crescente ao redor da ferida, vermelhidão que se espalha a partir dela, sensação de calor ou vazamento de líquido. Você também pode sentir febre. Entre em contato com a clínica se notar algum desses sinais, ou vá ao pronto-socorro caso se sinta mal.

Às vezes, pode haver acúmulo de líquido sob ou próximo à incisão após a cirurgia. Isso se manifesta como inchaço que parece macio ou sensível ao toque; em alguns casos, pode parecer firme. Um pouco de inchaço nos primeiros dias é normal. Contudo, se o inchaço aumentar, se tornar doloroso ou se a pele sobre ele parecer esticada e brilhante, avise a clínica.

A cirurgia do ombro pode, ocasionalmente, afetar nervos mais abaixo no braço. Você pode notar formigamento, dormência ou fraqueza no cotovelo, antebraço, mão ou dedos. Geralmente, isso melhora sozinho com medidas simples, como repouso e movimentos suaves. Caso não melhore ou piore, mencione isso na próxima consulta. A cirurgia para liberar o nervo mais abaixo no braço é uma opção caso o problema não se resolva por conta própria.

A tabela de complicações nesta página lista as taxas típicas, caso você queira informações mais detalhadas.

Quando nos contatar

A maioria dos problemas após esta cirurgia aparece logo no início; por isso, preferimos ser informados o quanto antes. Ligue para nós caso perceba febre, vermelhidão ou vazamento de líquido da ferida que esteja piorando, ou inchaço que continua aumentando e se torna doloroso. Procure o pronto-socorro se sentir dor intensa e súbita, inchaço ou dor na panturrilha, falta de ar, surgimento de áreas de dormência, ou se não conseguir mover o braço. Caso note nova fraqueza ou formigamento no ombro, braço ou mão, ligue para a clínica para que possamos avaliar o caso precocemente.

Onde ler mais sobre a condição

Esta página trata da própria cirurgia. A condição que ela trata, incluindo o que as evidências demonstram sobre quando a cirurgia é benéfica e quando não é, é abordada com mais detalhes na página Neuropatia suprascapular.


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

  • Arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology [1].
  • Surgical decompression in the setting of suprascapular neuropathy leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rate [2].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy treated with suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without suprascapular nerve decompression [3].
  • 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 [4].
  • Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function [5].
  • 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 [6].
  • 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 [7].
  • A novel arthroscopic technique for suprascapular nerve decompression uses the superior border of the scapula as a guide, potentially reducing operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods [8].
  • The suprascapular artery must be identified and protected along with the nerve during decompression to ensure safety [9].
  • Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably led to successful pain relief and strength improvement in patients presenting with pain and weakness respectively [10].
  • 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 [12].
  • Suprascapular nerve release does not seem to be justified as an adjunct to rotator cuff repair if preoperative EMG findings document normal suprascapular nerve function [19].

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 [17].
  • The superior transverse scapular ligament arises from the medial base of the coracoid overlying the suprascapular notch [35].
  • The suprascapular artery runs superior to the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the nerve runs deep to it [35].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the superior transverse scapular ligament causes denervation of both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus [35].
  • The spinoglenoid ligament overlies the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch [35].
  • Entrapment, traction, or compression at the spinoglenoid notch causes denervation of the infraspinatus [35].
  • At the suprascapular notch, the nerve has little translational freedom as it angles around a confined space [49].
  • The angled pathway and limited mobility at the suprascapular notch predispose the nerve to mechanical stretching [49].
  • Mechanical stretching at the suprascapular notch may be exacerbated by extreme positions of scapular depression, retraction, or abduction [49].

Anatomical Variations and Predisposing Factors

  • Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch include abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers [22].
  • Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch include an anterior coracoscapular ligament [22].
  • Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch include a calcified superior transverse scapular ligament [22].
  • These anatomical variations are predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment [22].

Mechanisms of Injury

  • Suprascapular neuropathy can occur as a result of traction, direct trauma, or extrinsic compression [49].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy can occur as part of a more generalized brachial plexus disorder [49].
  • Traction of the suprascapular nerve can occur at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch secondary to repetitive microtrauma [49].
  • Repetitive microtrauma primarily arises from overhead activities such as tennis, volleyball, and weight lifting [49].
  • Repetitive microtrauma may lead to direct injury to the nerve [49].
  • Repetitive microtrauma may lead to indirect injury by affecting the vascular supply to the nerve [49].
  • Intimal damage to the axillary or suprascapular artery may lead to microemboli that become trapped in the vasa nervorum [49].
  • Microemboli trapped in the vasa nervorum lead to ischemic injury to the suprascapular nerve [49].
  • Direct trauma or indirect trauma during glenohumeral dislocation may result in suprascapular neuropathy [49].
  • Direct trauma or indirect trauma during proximal humerus fracture may result in suprascapular neuropathy [49].
  • Direct trauma or indirect trauma during scapular fracture may result in suprascapular neuropathy [49].
  • Iatrogenic injury to the suprascapular nerve has been reported as a consequence of distal clavicle resection [49].
  • Iatrogenic injury to the suprascapular nerve has been reported as a consequence of positioning during spine surgery [49].
  • Iatrogenic injury to the suprascapular nerve has been reported as a consequence of transglenoid arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization [49].
  • Iatrogenic injury to the suprascapular nerve has been reported as a consequence of shoulder arthrodesis [49].
  • Iatrogenic injury to the suprascapular nerve has been reported as a consequence of procedures utilizing the posterior approach to the shoulder, such as posterior shoulder stabilization [49].
  • Repetitive microtrauma or a single traumatic event is more likely to cause suprascapular neuropathy at the level of the suprascapular notch [49].
  • Compression by a ganglion cyst or tumor is a cause of suprascapular neuropathy, particularly at the level of the spinoglenoid notch [49].
  • Cystic lesions arising from a labral or capsular tear can compress the nerve along its course over the scapula [17].
  • Nerve traction is theorized to arise from chronic overhead athletics [17].
  • Nerve traction is theorized to arise from a retracted rotator cuff tear [17].

Pathological Associations and Outcomes

  • The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [16].
  • Complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs can be caused by suprascapular neuropathy [11].
  • Fatty infiltration resulting from suprascapular neuropathy is not reversible [11].

Classification

  • Suprascapular neuropathy can present secondary to various etiologies including entrapment or compression [17].
  • Nerve traction is theorized to arise from chronic overhead athletics or due to a retracted rotator cuff tear [17].
  • Suprascapular nerve neuropathy occurs when the suprascapular nerve is injured along its course from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to its motor insertion on the supraspinatus and, more distally, the infraspinatus [17].
  • Nerve injury can occur from either compression or traction [17].

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms and Signs

  • Patients with suprascapular nerve neuropathy usually complain of a dull, aching pain in the posterior and lateral aspects of the shoulder [18].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy is a potential source of shoulder pain and functional limitation [17].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch is a cause of shoulder pathology that should be considered in people presenting with wasting of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles, or both [29].
  • When the nerve is entrapped at the suprascapular notch, patients present with weakness and atrophy of both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus [18].
  • With entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch, symptoms of weakness and atrophy are isolated to the infraspinatus [18].
  • Compression of the nerve at the level of the spinoglenoid notch leads to weakness and atrophy of the infraspinatus [18].

Etiology and Risk Factors

  • A variety of potential causes of compression have been described, including anomalous transverse scapular ligaments, ganglion cysts, abnormal bony morphology, direct trauma, and traction injury [18].
  • The incidence of compressive neuropathy is quite high in the overhead athletic cohort [17].
  • Most patients in the overhead athletic cohort do not show clinically relevant deficiencies in function [17].

Diagnosis

  • The diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy is based on a combination of a detailed history, a comprehensive physical examination, imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies [17].
  • A detailed history and physical examination along with appropriate workup are paramount to arrive at a diagnosis of suprascapular nerve entrapment [18].
  • Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation of patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy [20].
  • Shoulder surgeons should be cognizant of the parameters that constitute an abnormal electrodiagnostic study [20].

Investigations

  • 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 [20].
  • In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [15].
  • 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 [22].
  • 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].
  • Unless a specific research protocol is in place, the temptation to “overimage” should be resisted, obtaining only the scans or reconstructions that are necessary for the care of the patient [24].
  • Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder evaluation [24].
  • The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) in the plane of the scapula taken so that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [24].
  • The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula and oriented so that both the spinoglenoid notch and the scapular neck are visible [24].
  • At least two X-ray views should be obtained for shoulder imaging: 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 [40].
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head, or a bone tumour [40].
  • MRI can also identify labral tears and rotator cuff tears, although the accuracy for these latter two is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [40].
  • Computed tomography (CT) is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [40].
  • Ultrasound is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [40].
  • Ultrasound can also be useful in guiding injections or barbotage (aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff) [40].
  • Arthroscopy is useful for diagnosing and treating subacromial impingement, intra-articular lesions, detachment of the glenoid labrum and rotator cuff tears [40].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Initial treatment of isolated suprascapular neuropathy typically consists of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification [14].

Operative Indications

  • Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [14].
  • Surgical decompression is indicated in cases refractory to conservative management [18].

Surgical Techniques

  • The anterior release of the suprascapular nerve is a feasible alternative to the lateral approach [26].
  • Open decompression at the spinoglenoid notch permits direct visualization of the suprascapular nerve and allows for a safe, reliable, and thorough decompression [18].
  • For open spinoglenoid notch decompression, the patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the head elevated 30° and the body over-rotated 10° to 20° past parallel anteriorly [50].
  • During open spinoglenoid notch decompression, the deltoid is split in line with its fibers beginning approximately 4 to 5 cm from the posterolateral corner of the acromion [50].
  • The spinoglenoid ligament is released sharply from the edge of the scapular spine during open decompression [50].

Safety Considerations

Clinical Outcomes

  • Suprascapular neuropathy treated with suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without decompression [3].
  • Arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy provides patients with significant improvements in pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder, and has a low incidence of complications [13].

Concomitant Pathology

Complications

  • Arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy has a low incidence of complications [13].
  • Ultrasound-assisted intralesional methylene blue injection may facilitate uneventful decompression of symptomatic spinoglenoid notch cysts while preventing iatrogenic suprascapular nerve injury [51].
  • A malpositioned superior screw from reverse shoulder arthroplasty can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [30].
  • Baseplate screw penetration in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty poses a risk of iatrogenic suprascapular neuropathy by screw violation [31].
  • Failure to treat multiple diagnoses in the same shoulder can lead to missed pathologic features and the necessity for revision operations [21].

Recovery

  • Surgical decompression for suprascapular neuropathy leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rate [2].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy treated with suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes [3].
  • Suprascapular nerve decompression is noninferior to similar procedures without suprascapular nerve decompression [3].
  • Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes [4].
  • Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in significant improvements from before to after surgery [4].
  • Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain [5].
  • Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in a return of normal shoulder function [5].
  • Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably led to successful pain relief in patients presenting with pain [10].
  • Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably led to strength improvement in patients presenting with weakness [10].
  • Patients experienced immediate improvement in pain following treatment for suprascapular neuropathy [11].
  • Patients experienced immediate improvement in subjective shoulder value following treatment for suprascapular neuropathy [11].
  • Fatty infiltration was not reversible following treatment for suprascapular neuropathy [11].
  • All patients showed improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings after arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve [12].
  • All patients showed marked improvement in pain relief after arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve [12].
  • All patients showed marked improvement in function after arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve [12].
  • Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved in a case of suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula [25].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] Arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology. [1] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.01.006)
  • [L4] Surgical decompression in the setting of suprascapular neuropathy leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by the patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rate. [2] (10.1016/j.jse.2017.09.025)
  • [L4] Suprascapular neuropathy treated with SSND significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without SSND. [3] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.05.007)
  • [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. [4] (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.020)
  • [L4] Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function. [5] (10.1177/03635465990270062101)
  • [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. [6] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.033)
  • [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. [7] (10.1186/s12891-021-04075-1)
  • [L4] The study describes a novel arthroscopic technique for suprascapular nerve decompression that uses the superior border of the scapula as a guide, potentially reducing operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods. [8] (10.1007/s00167-009-0858-1)
  • [L4] The authors emphasize that the suprascapular artery must be identified and protected along with the nerve during decompression to ensure safety. [9] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.08.007)
  • [L4] Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably led to successful pain relief and strength improvement in patients presenting with pain and weakness respectively. [10] (10.1177/2325967123s00003)
  • [L4] Patients experienced immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though fatty infiltration was not reversible. [11] (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.01.010)
  • [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. [12] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.003)
  • [L4] Results indicate that arthroscopic management provides patients with significant improvements in pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder, and has a low incidence of complications. [13] (10.1007/s00167-017-4694-4)
  • [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. [14] (10.2106/jbjs.i.01743)
  • [L4] In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively. [15] (10.2106/00004623-199708000-00007)
  • [L3] The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear. [16] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.011)
  • [L5] [17] (10.5435/jaaos-d-19-00526)
  • [L5] [18] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103051)
  • [L2] Suprascapular nerve release does not therefore seem to be justified as an adjunct to RC repair if preoperative EMG findings document normal suprascapular nerve function. [19] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.03.051)
  • [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. [20] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.039)
  • [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. [21] (10.1097/01.blo.0000063791.32430.59)
  • [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. [22] (10.1007/s00167-003-0378-3)
  • [Case_report] Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved. [25] (10.1186/s12891-023-06723-0)
  • [L5] The anterior release of the suprascapular nerve is a feasible alternative to the lateral approach. [26] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103237)
  • [L5] Entrapment of the SSN at the suprascapular notch is a cause of shoulder pathology that should be considered in people presenting with wasting of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles, or both. [29] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.12.003)
  • [Case_report] This case is the first report of malpositioned superior screw from reverse shoulder arthroplasty causing suprascapular nerve entrapment. [30] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.004)
  • [L3] [31] (10.1016/j.jse.2021.10.024)
  • [L5] [49] (10.5435/00124635-199911000-00002)
  • [L4] [50] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.03.009)
  • [L4] We believe that this technique may facilitate uneventful decompression of symptomatic spinoglenoid notch cysts while preventing iatrogenic suprascapular nerve injury. [51] (10.1016/j.jse.2021.03.076)

References

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[26] Comprehensive Endoscopic Brachial Plexus Release for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Including Suprascapular Nerve Release and Scalenotomy. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2024.103237

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[31] Three-dimensional analysis of baseplate screw penetration in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: risk of iatrogenic suprascapular neuropathy by screw violation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.10.024

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[51] Ultrasound Assisted Intralesional Methylene Blue Injection for the Arthroscopic Decompression of Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst Causing Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.03.076