Clinical Signs and Symptoms
- The examination should start with inspection of both shoulders and neck area for signs of prior surgery or recent trauma that would raise the suspicion for the possibility of a penetrating injury causing suprascapular neuropathy. (3)
- The shoulder should be inspected for evidence of atrophy of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus (3)
- Supraspinatus and infraspinatus atrophy suggests a more proximal injury (eg, suprascapular notch),
- Isolated infraspinatus atrophy suggests a more distal injury (eg, spinoglenoid notch).
- Acromioclavicular and glenohumeral arthritis, and adhesive capsulitis can cause the same symptoms and coexist with suprascapular neuropathy, careful examination of the shoulder range of motion, strength, and stability, as well as the performance of relevant specific tests, is essential. (3)
- A thorough neurologic examination should also be conducted to rule out cervical radiculopathy and brachial plexus (3)
- Diagnosis confirmed with EMG and Nerve Conduction. MRI used to determine cause (3)
- The shoulder should be inspected for evidence of atrophy of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus (3)
- Supraspinatus and infraspinatus atrophy suggests a more proximal injury (eg, suprascapular notch),
- Isolated infraspinatus atrophy suggests a more distal injury (eg, spinoglenoid notch).
- Acromioclavicular and glenohumeral arthritis, and adhesive capsulitis can cause the same symptoms and coexist with suprascapular neuropathy, careful examination of the shoulder range of motion, strength, and stability, as well as the performance of relevant specific tests, is essential. (3)
- A thorough neurologic examination should also be conducted to rule out cervical radiculopathy and brachial plexus (3)
- Diagnosis confirmed with EMG and Nerve Conduction. MRI used to determine cause (3)
Patient Presentation
The suprascapular nerve is a mixed nerve. Thus the patient presentation usually includes the following: (1)
- A dull, deep ache at the posterior and lateral aspects of the shoulder, which may have a burning quality.
- Changes in G-H biomechanics with an increase of scapular elevation occurring during arm elevation.
- This may produce impingement-like findings and complicate the diagnosis.
-Full external rotation of the G-H joint and passive horizontal adduction are painful.
- A dull, deep ache at the posterior and lateral aspects of the shoulder, which may have a burning quality.
- Changes in G-H biomechanics with an increase of scapular elevation occurring during arm elevation.
- This may produce impingement-like findings and complicate the diagnosis.
-Full external rotation of the G-H joint and passive horizontal adduction are painful.