RT Journal
A1 Boykin, Robert E.
A1 Friedman, Darren J.
A1 Higgins, Laurence D.
A1 Warner, Jon J.P.
T1 Suprascapular Neuropathy
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2010
FD October 6
VO 92
IS 13
SP 2348
OP 2364
DO 10.2106/JBJS.I.01743
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.I.01743
AB Suprascapular neuropathy has often been overlooked as a source of shoulder pain.The condition may be more common than once thought as it is being diagnosed more frequently.Etiologies for suprascapular neuropathy may include repetitive overhead activities, traction from a rotator cuff tear, and compression from a space-occupying lesion at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch.Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for visualizing space-occupying lesions, other pathological entities of the shoulder, and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff.Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies remain the standard for diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy; however, data on interobserver reliability are limited.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.More clinical data are needed to determine if treatment of the primary offending etiology in cases of traction from a rotator cuff tear or compression from a cyst secondary to a labral tear is sufficient or whether concomitant decompression of the nerve is warranted for management of the neuropathy.