Affiliations: [a] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia | [b] Department of Anaesthesia, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, VIC, Australia
Abstract: Suprascapular nerve injury is increasingly being recognized
as an important cause of shoulder dysfunction. The non-specific clinical
features of suprascapular nerve injury can make diagnosis difficult.
However, it is essential for clinicians to consider it as part of the
differential diagnoses in patients with vague pain or sensory disturbances
over the posterosuperior part of their shoulder or have unexplained atrophy
and weakness of their supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscle.
Electrodiagnostic studies are useful in confirming and localising the nerve
injury, while MRIs can be employed to determine the cause of nerve injury
and assess the integrity of the rotator cuff muscles. Isolated suprascapular
nerve injury can be managed with a trial of conservative management for at
least 6 months. Subsequently, decompression of the nerve through open or
arthroscopic techniques can be considered - both are associated with high
rates of pain relief and functional
improvement.
