Suprascapular nerve entrapment: Diagnosis and results of treatment

Abstract

Twenty-eight patients with suprascapular nerve entrapment confirmed by electromyographic and nerve conduction studies were identified and treated. This diagnosis was not previously suspected in these patients, because 22 previous operations had been done in 13 of the patients. In 26 patients the authors performed a release of the suprascapular ligament. One patient required a second operation to release an incompletely divided ligament. The recommended surgical technique requires elevation of the trapezius muscle from the scapular spine. The trapezius is retracted cephalad, and the supraspinatus is retracted posteriorly. The suprascapular ligament is resected. Notch resection is unnecessary in the usual case. There were 25 excellent or good results and one fair result. Suprascapular nerve entrapment should be suspected and included in the differential diagnosis of vogue shoulder pain.