Suprascapular Neuropathy

Question 1

What muscle(s) are affected by nerve entrapment in the suprascapular notch? Spinoglenoid nothc?

Answer 1

Suprascapular- weakness of supraspinatus and infraspinatus
Spinoglenoid- weakness of infraspinatus only

Weakness of supraspinatus; weak ER with arm abducted
Weakness of infraspinatus- weak ER with arm at side

Question 2

What causes suprascapular neuropathy?

Answer 2

Entrapment of the suprascapular n. in the suprascapular notch or spinoglenoid notch by:

1) Ganglion cyst (from labral tear)
2) fracture callous
3) traction injury (seen in 45% of volleyball players)

Question 3

How is suprascapular neuropathy treated?

Answer 3

1) activity modification and shoulder rehab

2) open (either notch) or arthroscopic release (suprascapular notch)