Suprascapular Nerve Pathology: A Review of the Literature
Lazaros Kostretzis1, *, Ioannis Theodoroudis1, Achilleas Boutsiadis2, Nikolaos Papadakis1, Pericles Papadopoulos1
1 Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
2 424 General Military Hospital of Thessaloniki, Efkarpia, Thessaloniki, Greece
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.
Article Information
Article History:
Received Date: 08/01/2016
Revision Received Date: 19/04/2016
Acceptance Date: 20/04/2016
Electronic publication date: 28/02/2017
Collection year: 2017
Article Metrics:
CrossRef Citations:
3
Total Statistics:
Full-Text HTML Views: 400
Abstract HTML Views: 152
PDF Downloads: 81
ePub Downloads: 63
Total Views/Downloads: 696
Unique Statistics:
Full-Text HTML Views: 268
Abstract HTML Views: 96
PDF Downloads: 63
ePub Downloads: 44
Total Views/Downloads: 471
Geographical View
© 2017 Kostretzis et al.
open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Tel: +306976593644; Fax: +302310358292; E-mail: lazaros1504@yahoo.gr