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Review
. 2017 Feb 28:11:140-153.
doi: 10.2174/1874325001711010140. eCollection 2017.

Suprascapular Nerve Pathology: A Review of the Literature

Lazaros Kostretzis  1 , Ioannis Theodoroudis  1 , Achilleas Boutsiadis  2 , Nikolaos Papadakis  1 , Pericles Papadopoulos  1
Affiliations
Review

Suprascapular Nerve Pathology: A Review of the Literature

Lazaros Kostretzis et al. Open Orthop J. .

Abstract

Background: Suprascapular nerve pathology is a rare diagnosis that is increasingly gaining popularity among the conditions that cause shoulder pain and dysfunction. The suprascapular nerve passes through several osseoligamentous structures and can be compressed in several locations.

Methods: A thorough literature search was performed using online available databases in order to carefully define the pathophysiology and to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Results: Suprascapular neuropathy diagnosis is based on a careful history and a thorough clinical and radiological examination. Although the incidence and prevalence of the condition remain unknown, it is highly diagnosed in specific groups (overhead athletes, patients with a massive rotator cuff tear) probably due to higher interest. The location and the etiology of the compression are those that define the treatment modality.

Conclusion: Suprascapular neuropathy diagnosis is based on a careful history and a thorough clinical and radiological examination. The purpose of this article is to describe the anatomy of the suprascapular nerve, to define the pathophysiology of suprascapular neuropathy and to present methodically the current diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Keywords: Ligament; Nerve; Neuropathy; Notch; Release; Repair; Review; Rotator cuff; Suprascapular.

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Figures

Fig. (1)
Fig. (1)
A schematic of the origin of suprascapIular nerve.
Fig. (2)
Fig. (2)
Anatomy of the course of suprascapular nerve.
Fig. (3)
Fig. (3)
The six types of suprascapular notches.
Fig. (4)
Fig. (4)
Suprascapular nerve traction following a rotator cuff tear and reversal of pressure after repair of the tear.
Fig. (5)
Fig. (5)
The suprascapular stretch test described by Lafosse.
Fig. (6)
Fig. (6)
a. Stryker notch view: the patient is supine, placing the palm of his affected hand on top of his head and the beam is tilted 15° cephalad. b. A stryker notch radiograph of the right shoulder.
Fig. (7)
Fig. (7)
Arthroscopical view of suprascapular artery.
Fig. (8)
Fig. (8)
Visualization of Transverse Scapular Ligament.
Fig. (9)
Fig. (9)
An arthroscopical scissor incised TSL.
Fig. (10)
Fig. (10)
The transverse scapular ligament resected.
Fig. (11)
Fig. (11)
The suprascapular nerve released.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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