Peri-articular suprascapular neuropathy

Suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula: a case report

BACKGROUND

Suprascapular nerve entrapment is a rare disorder that is frequently misdiagnosed as another disease. The suprascapular nerve is commonly entrapped at the following two sites: the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches. Nerve entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch causes infraspinatus muscle weakness and atrophy. Patients present with posterior shoulder pain and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis of a spinoglenoid cyst and nerve compression. Open or arthroscopic aspiration or decompression is indicated for patients with cysts in whom conservative treatment has failed and those with cysts associated with suprascapular nerve compression.

CASE PRESENTATION

Herein, we describe the case of a 49-year-old man with suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large cyst, namely, a hematoma, in the superior scapular and spinoglenoid notches. Open surgical decompression of the suprascapular nerve was performed owing to an intact rotator cuff and glenoid labrum.

CONCLUSION

Posterior shoulder pain promptly resolved without complications.

Arm Function After Arthroscopic Decompression of the Suprascapular Nerve at the Spinoglenoid Notch and Suprascapular Notch in Volleyball Players

Background

Suprascapular nerve (SSN) entrapment in volleyball players leads to infraspinatus (ISP) muscle atrophy and weakness of abduction and external rotation (ER) of the shoulder.

Purpose

To assess functional outcome after arthroscopic extended decompression of SSN in the spinoglenoid notch and suprascapular notch in a group of volleyball athletes.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Volleyballers who underwent arthroscopic SSN decompression were analyzed retrospectively. Assessment tools consisted of range of motion and ER strength on Lovett scale and postoperative ER strength measured by dynamometer, Constant-Murley score (CMS), and visual evaluation of ISP muscle recovery by assessing muscle bulk.

Results

The study included 10 patients (9 male and 1 female). The mean age was 25.9 years (range, 19-33) and mean follow-up was 77.9 months (range, 7-123). The mean range of postoperative ER at 90° of abduction (ER2) was 105.6° (88°-126°) and 108.5° (93°-124°) for the contralateral side, while ER2 strength was 8 ± 2.6 and 12.65 ± 2.8 kg (P < .01) respectively. Mean CMS was 89.9 (84-100). In 5 cases, there was complete recovery of ISP muscle atrophy whereas 2 patients had partial recovery and 3 had none.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic SSN decompression in volleyball players improves shoulder function, but results of ISP recovery and ER strength are variable.

Outcomes after minimally invasive and surgical management of suprascapular nerve entrapment: A systematic review

Background

The prevalence of suprascapular neuropathy is higher than previously estimated. Recent literature highlights a myriad of treatment options for patients ranging from conservative treatment and minimally invasive options to surgical management. However, there are no comprehensive review articles comparing these treatment modalities.

Objective

The purpose of this review article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on suprascapular nerve entrapment and to compare minimally invasive treatments to surgical treatments.

Methods

The literature search was performed in Mendeley. Search fields were varied redundant. All articles were screened by title and abstract and a preliminary decision to include an article was made. A full-text screening was performed on the selected articles. Any question regarding the inclusion of an article was discussed by 3 authors until an agreement was reached.

Results

Recent studies have further elucidated the pathoanatomy and described several risk factors for entrapment ranging. Four studies met our inclusion criteria regarding peripheral nerve stimulation with good pain and clinical outcomes. Two studies met our inclusion criteria regarding pulsed radiofrequency and showed promising pain and clinical outcomes. One study met our inclusion criteria regarding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and showed good results that were equivalent to pulsed radiofrequency. Surgical treatment has shifted to become nearly all arthroscopic and surgical outcomes remain higher than minimally invasive treatments.

Conclusions

Many recently elucidated anatomical factors predispose to entrapment. A history of overhead sports or known rotator cuff disease can heighten a clinician’s suspicion. Entrapment at the suprascapular notch is more common overall, yet young athletes may be predisposed to isolated spinoglenoid notch entrapment. Pulsed radiofrequency, peripheral nerve stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be effective in treating patients with suprascapular nerve entrapment. Arthroscopic treatment remains the gold-standard in patients with refractory entrapment symptoms.

Suprascapular Neuropathy in Collegiate Tennis Player: A Case Report

Suprascapular neuropathy can be seen in overhead athletes and should be considered when evaluating an overhead athlete presenting with shoulder pain and/or weakness. The suprascapular nerve innervates the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus, but dynamic entrapment as it passes under the spinoglenoid ligament at the spinoglenoid notch can lead to isolated denervation of the infraspinatus. Specific movements common in tennis cause tensioning and compression of the spinoglenoid ligament and may predispose players to dynamic entrapment at this location. We present a case of an 18-year-old male collegiate tennis player presenting with suprascapular neuropathy causing isolated denervation of the infraspinatus. This case illustrates the consequences of noncompliance with physical therapy and serves as a review of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of suprascapular neuropathy.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Suprascapular Nerve Decompression for Suprascapular Neuropathy

PURPOSE

To report clinical outcomes following arthroscopic suprascapular nerve (SSN) decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant pathology.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of 19 patients who underwent SSN release at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch between April 2006 and August 2017 with ≥2 years of follow-up. Patients who underwent concomitant rotator cuff or labral repairs or had severe osteoarthritis were excluded. Pre- and postoperative strength and patient-reported outcomes were collected, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), 12-item Short Form (SF-12), and satisfaction. Complications and revisions were recorded.

RESULTS

At a mean final follow-up of 4.8 years, pre- to postoperative ASES (64.9 ± 18.7 versus 83.5 ± 23.1; P = .018), QuickDASH (28.7 ± 17.2 versus 12.7 ± 17.1; P = .028), SANE (64.3 ± 16.4 versus 80.8 ± 22.3; P = .034), and SF-12 PCS (41.1 ± 10.8 versus 52.3 ± 5.8; P = .007) scores all significantly improved. Median strength for external rotation improved significantly (4 [range 2 to 5] versus 5 [range 3 to 5]; P = .014). There was no statistically significant improvement in median strength for abduction (4 [range 3 to 5] versus 5 [5]; P = .059). Median postoperative satisfaction was 9 (range 1 to 10), with 8 patients (50%) rating satisfaction ≥9. No complications were observed, and no patients went on to revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic SSN decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic release of proximal supra-scapular nerve entrapment: Medium-term results

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological results in the medium term of the arthroscopic release of the proximal entrapment of the suprascapular nerve.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

It is a retrospective study that includes 75 patients with idiopathic entrapment of the suprascapular nerve in the suprascapular notch in whom conservative treatment has failed. All patients underwent electrophysiological tests (EMG) as well as clinical test (Constant and DASH test) preoperatively and during follow-up.

RESULTS

75 patients (53 women and 22 men) with a mean age of 44.1 ± 10.7 years met study criteria with a mean follow-up of 63.7 ± 29.1 months. Preoperatively the DASH value was 78,6 ± 10,2, the Constant test value was 37.1 ±8.8 and the EVA value was 8.8 ± 1.1 while the values in the last revision were 19.4 ± 15.8 for DASH, 80.2 ± 9.6 (for the CS and 2 ±1.3 for the EVA scale; the differences were significant in all cases (P<.001). Regarding the results of the electrophysiological test, preoperatively there were 21 very severe grades (28%), 32 severe (42.6%), 17 moderate (22.6%) and 5 mild (6.6%). While in the last review there were 3 severe degrees (4%), 6 moderate (8%), 40 mild (53.3%) and 26 normal (34.6%). There was no very severe grade (0%); 3 patients (4%) had to be reoperated due to persistent symptons.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic release of idiopathic entrapment of the suprascapular nerve in the superior scapular notch achieved good clinical and electrophysiological results in the medium term.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

iv; case series; treatment study.

Suprascapular Neuropathy around the Shoulder: A Current Concept Review

Suprascapular neuropathy is an uncommon but increasingly recognized cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction due to nerve entrapment. The aim of this review is to summarize some important aspects of this shoulder pathology. An extensive research was performed on PubMed and Clinical Key. The goal was to collect all the anatomical, biomechanical and clinical studies to conduct an extensive overview of the issue. Attention was focused on researching the state of art of the diagnosis and treatment. A total of 59 studies were found suitable and included. This condition is more frequently diagnosed in over-head athletes or patients with massive rotator cuff tears. Diagnosis may be complex, whereas its treatment is safe, and it has a great success rate. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as chronic conditions have worse outcomes compared to acute lesions. Proper instrumental evaluation and imaging are essential. Dynamic compression must initially be treated non-operatively. If there is no improvement, surgical release should be considered. On the other hand, soft tissue lesions may first be treated non-operatively. However, surgical treatment by arthroscopic means is advisable when possible as it represents the gold standard therapy. Other concomitant shoulder lesions must be recognized and treated accordingly.

Morphological measurements and classification of the spinoglenoid notch: A three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

The spinoglenoid notch (SGN) is the second most common location for suprascapular nerve (SN) entrapment; however, there are few relative morphological reports on this condition. Hence, the present morphological study mainly explored the anatomical structure and classification of the SGN and the relationship with entrapment of SN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred seventy-eight scapulae were analysed thoroughly and systematically in this study. Anatomical structure and classification of the SGN were observed and measured by a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of computed tomography (CT). The measurement results were then analysed and recorded.

RESULTS

Chinese scapulae were classified into three types at the SGN, and it was found that left scapulae had deeper SGN than right ones. Then, significant differences were also noted between sexes. Men had thicker, wider and deeper SGN than women. Type II (small U, 46.04%) was the most common. Type I (large U) was the widest (15.67±1.43mm) and deepest (13.71±2.39mm) compared with other types. Lastly, no significant differences in the above criteria were found in other measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

These morphological measurements of the SGN may help to improve the diagnosis and successful treatment rate of the surgery for the SN entrapment, but the relative clinical trial is necessary to support it.

A Large Size Lipoma at Spinoglenoid Notch Mimicked Traumatic Rotator Cuff Tear

Herein, we report a large lipoma at the spinoglenoid notch that mimicked a rotator cuff tear, which occurred in a 61-year-old male farmer. Weakness and pain in the shoulder started abruptly after hard labor, and our first impression was a traumatic rotator cuff tear; however, there was no tear on MRI, and complete marginal excision of a large lipoma at the spinoglenoid notch relieved the symptoms completely at a postoperative three-month follow-up visit. We believe that certain activities such as forceful shoulder abduction may have caused the sudden onset of suprascapular neuropathy in the loosely compressed suprascapular nerve by the lipoma.

Arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy of the shoulder improves pain and functional outcomes with minimal complication rates

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to systematically assess the arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy, including the aetiology, surgical decision-making, clinical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure.

METHODS

Three databases [PubMed, Ovid (Medline), and Embase] were searched. Systematic literature screening and data abstraction was performed in duplicate to present a review of studies reporting on arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy. The quality of the included studies was assessed using level of evidence and the MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) checklist.

RESULTS

In total, 40 studies (17 case reports, 20 case series, 2 retrospective comparative studies, and 1 prospective comparative study) were identified, including 259 patients (261 shoulders) treated arthroscopically for suprascapular neuropathy. The most common aetiology of suprascapular neuropathy was suprascapular nerve compression by a cyst at the spinoglenoid notch (42%), and the decision to pursue arthroscopic surgery was most commonly based on the results of clinical findings and investigations (47%). Overall, 97% of patients reported significant improvement in or complete resolution of their pre-operative symptoms (including pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder) over a mean follow-up period of 23.7 months. Further, there was a low overall complication rate (4%) associated with the arthroscopic procedures.

CONCLUSION

While most studies evaluating arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy are uncontrolled studies with lower levels of evidence, results indicate that such management provides patients with significant improvements in pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder, and has a low incidence of complications. Patients managed arthroscopically for suprascapular neuropathy may expect significant improvements in pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of level II to IV studies.

A new approach for endoscopic neurolysis of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch: A preliminary cadaver study

The suprascapular nerve (SSN) can become compressed at its 2 scapular attachments: the suprascapular and the spinoglenoid notch. The objective of this study was to describe a new arthroscopic approach for SSN neurolysis at the spinoglenoid notch. Ten cadaver shoulders were used. Two were dissected to simulate the "classical" arthroscopic approach and to help in the creation of a new "direct medial retrospinal" approach. Eight other shoulders were used to validate this new approach, with control of the whole juxta-glenoid course of the SSN as criterion of success. The retrospinal posterior approach allowed the entire juxta-glenoid segment of the SSN to be explored in 6 cases out of 8. One exploration was incomplete, another not feasible. SSN neurolysis at the spinoglenoid notch was feasible in cadavers on a retrospinal approach.