Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome
The suprascapular nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The supraspinatus muscle abducts the arm (moves it away from the body), and the infraspinatus muscle externally rotates the arm. Both muscles are a part of the group of muscles collectively called the "rotator cuff".
The suprascapular nerve travels beneath the superior transverse scapular ligament in the suprascapular notch. If the space is injured or not large enough, the nerve can become compressed in this area.
Signs and Symptoms
- Weakness, heaviness of limb
- Posterior scapular based discomfort
What causes suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome?
- Injury
- -Direct blow to the posterior shoulder, shoulder dislocation or fracture
- Overuse
- -e.g. repetitive tennis serving, volleyball, weightlifting
Non-Surgical Treatment
- CT guided aspiration of the impinging mass
Surgical Treatment: Shoulder Arthroscopy (Nerve Decompression)
- The area of the suprascapular notch is decompressed
- The superior transverse scapular ligament is sectioned
- Cysts are removed, if present