Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression: indications and surgical technique

Abstract

Background: Although entrapment of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is an infrequent presentation of shoulder pain, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent chronic supraspinatus and infraspinatus atrophy.

Materials and methods: We present a technique that allows SSN decompression at the spinoglenoid notch or suprascapular notch through the subacromial space.

Results and conclusions: This method allows for facile decompression of the SSN after repair of concomitant shoulder pathology and allows direct visualization of the medial neck of the glenoid to avoid complications of iatrogenic SSN nerve injury from aggressive medial capsule dissection. The purpose of this article is to provide surgeons with a safe, reliable method to decompress the SSN at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch.