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Suprascapular نیوروپیتھی

Updated Sep 2026
کندھے کے پٹھوں کو سپلائی کرنے کے لئے نوچ کے ذریعے گزرنے والے سپراسکیپولر اعصاب کا خاکہ۔
سپراسکیپولر اعصاب، جو کندھے کے بلیڈ کے نشان پر دبایا جا سکتا ہے. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

اس صفحے کا ترجمہ مشین سے کیا گیا ہے اور ابھی تک کسی ڈاکٹر نے اس کی جانچ نہیں کی۔ انگریزی نسخہ ہی مستند ہے۔

آپ کیا محسوس کر رہے ہیں

Suprascapular نیوروپیتھی کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ اعصاب جو آپ کے کندھے کے دو پٹھوں کی فراہمی کرتے ہیں وہ پریشان یا دبا ہوا ہے۔ درد عام طور پر کندھے کے پیچھے بیٹھتا ہے، کندھے کے بیرونی کنارے کی طرف. بہت سے لوگ اسے ایک جگہ پر تیز درد کی بجائے پورے کندھے میں پھیلنے والے سست درد کے طور پر بیان کرتے ہیں۔

درد اکثر آہستہ آہستہ بڑھتا ہے، اور یہ ایک ہی علاقے میں بیٹھنے کا رجحان رکھتا ہے: تقریبا ایک ہاتھ کی چوڑائی اوپر اور پیچھے اہم کندھے کے مشترکہ. اوور ہیڈ سرگرمی ایک عام ٹرگر ہے ، لہذا پھینکنا ، خدمت کرنا ، یا اونچی شیلف تک پہنچنا علامات کو لا سکتا ہے یا انہیں خراب کرسکتا ہے۔ کچھ لوگوں کو درد کے ساتھ ساتھ کندھے میں کلک کرنا، پکڑنا یا لاک کرنا بھی محسوس ہوتا ہے۔

اگر اعصاب کو طویل عرصے تک پریشان کیا گیا ہو تو، اس سے فراہم کی جانے والی پٹھوں کو ختم کیا جا سکتا ہے. آپ کو اپنے کندھے کے پچھلے حصے پر کھوکھلی یا چپٹی ہوئی نظر نظر آسکتی ہے ، کندھے کے پتلے کی ریڑھ کی ہڈی کے اوپر یا نیچے۔ یہ ہر کسی کے ساتھ نہیں ہوتا، اور یہ اس بات پر منحصر ہے کہ اعصاب آپ کے جسم کے ان پٹھوں میں کس طرح شاخیں بناتے ہیں۔

دن بہ دن، کمزوری اور درد ایسے کاموں میں ظاہر ہوتا ہے جن میں آپ کے بازو کو اٹھانے یا باہر نکالنے کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے۔ [ صفحہ ۲۸ پر تصویر] کھیل جس میں اوور ہیڈ حرکت شامل ہوتی ہے اکثر وہ پہلی چیز ہوتی ہے جس پر آپ کا دھیان جاتا ہے۔

یہ اعصاب کندھے کے قریب دو تنگ گزرگاہوں میں سے کسی ایک پر دباؤ کا شکار ہو سکتے ہیں، اور وہاں دباؤ ان لوگوں میں عام ہے جو بہت زیادہ اوور ہیڈ کھیل کھیلتے ہیں۔ اعصاب کو بار بار اوور ہیڈ سرگرمی سے بھی بڑھایا جاسکتا ہے ، یا چوٹ لگنے کے بعد جلن ہوسکتی ہے۔ بعض اوقات اس کی کوئی واضح وجہ نہیں ہوتی اور اعصاب خود بخود کام کرنا چھوڑ دیتے ہیں۔

اگر ان میں سے کوئی بھی چیز آپ کو واقف لگتی ہے، تو یہ آپ کے کندھے کا جائزہ لینے کے قابل ہے تاکہ اس کی وجہ کا تعین کیا جا سکے۔

اصل میں کیا ہو رہا ہے

سپراسکیپولر اعصاب ایک بڑے اعصابی نیٹ ورک کی ایک شاخ ہے جو آپ کی گردن سے نیچے آپ کے کندھے تک چلتی ہے۔ یہ آپ کے کندھے کے پچھلے حصے پر دو پٹھوں کو طاقت دیتا ہے جو آپ کے بازو کو اٹھاتے اور گھماتے ہیں۔ وہاں پہنچنے کے لیے اعصاب کو کندھے کے قریب دو تنگ سوراخوں سے گزرنا پڑتا ہے، جیسے ہڈیوں کے تنگ نشانوں سے گزرنے والی ایک تار۔

ان میں سے ہر ایک خلا میں، ٹشو کی ایک چھوٹی سی پٹی اعصاب کے اوپر سے گزرتی ہے۔ اعصاب نیچے سے چلتے ہیں جبکہ خون کی رگ اوپر سے چلتی ہے۔ اگر اعصاب کو پہلے سوراخ میں دبا دیا جائے تو دونوں کندھوں کے پٹھوں پر اثر پڑتا ہے۔ اگر یہ دوسرے پر دبا دیا جاتا ہے، مزید آگے، صرف ایک ہے. کندھے کی استر میں پھوٹ سے سیال سے بھرے بیگ بھی اس کے راستے میں کہیں بھی اعصاب پر دباؤ ڈال سکتے ہیں۔

دباؤ واحد مسئلہ نہیں ہے. اعصاب کو بھی کھینچا جا سکتا ہے، جو برسوں کے اوور ہیڈ کھیلوں کے ساتھ ہوتا ہے یا جب کندھے پر ایک بڑی تندون پھٹ جاتی ہے تو چیزیں لائن سے باہر نکل جاتی ہیں۔ کچھ لوگوں میں بالکل بھی دباؤ یا کشش نہیں ہوتی، اور اعصاب صرف سوزش کا شکار ہوتے ہیں۔ یہ اہم ہے کیونکہ بہت سے لوگ سوچتے ہیں کہ ایک تنگ خلا میں ایک مسئلہ ہے اصل میں زیادہ وسیع اعصابی جلن کی علامات دکھاتے ہیں، جو اس کا اندازہ اور علاج کس طرح بدلتا ہے.

آپ نے اوپر جو علامات پڑھی ہیں وہ اس کی براہ راست نتیجے میں ہیں۔ جب اعصاب اپنے سگنلز کو اچھی طرح سے منتقل نہیں کر سکتے تو دونوں عضلات کمزور ہو جاتے ہیں اور وقت گزرنے کے ساتھ ساتھ ختم ہو جاتے ہیں۔ کندھے کے پچھلے حصے میں درد اعصاب کی جلن کی وجہ سے ہوتا ہے۔

ہم اس کے بارے میں کیا کر سکتے ہیں

میٹر پرائیویٹ ہسپتال راک ہیمپٹن میں اوپری ٹانگوں کے سرجن ڈاکٹر کیران ہیرپارا کم سے کم جارحانہ اختیارات سے شروع کرتے ہیں جو آپ کی حالت کے مطابق ہیں۔ مریضوں کو عام طور پر ان کے جی پی کے ذریعہ ہمارے کلینک کا حوالہ دیا جاتا ہے۔ اگر کسی فزیوتھراپسٹ نے آپ کو ہمارے پاس آنے کی تجویز دی ہے تو ، آپ کو میڈیکیئر چھوٹ کے اہل ہونے کے ل your اپنے جی پی سے ریفرل کی ضرورت ہوگی۔ آپ کے پہلے دورے پر ہم ایک تاریخ لیتے ہیں، آپ کے کندھے کا معائنہ کرتے ہیں، اور اسکین کا بندوبست کرتے ہیں اگر اس کی وجہ کی تصدیق کے لئے ان کی ضرورت ہو.

پہلا قدم عام طور پر آرام اور آپ کے کندھے کے استعمال میں تبدیلی ہے. اوور ہیڈ سرگرمی کو کم کرنا اعصاب پر دباؤ ڈالتا ہے۔ انسداد سوزش کی دوائی درد کو کم کر سکتی ہے جبکہ چیزیں بحال ہو جائیں۔ فزیوتھراپی کا مقصد آپ کے کندھے کو عام طور پر حرکت میں رکھنا اور آپ کے کندھے کے اطراف کے پٹھوں کو مضبوط بنانا ہے۔ آپ کا فزیوتھیراپسٹ آپ کو ایسی مشقوں کے ذریعے رہنمائی کرے گا جو کندھے کے بلیڈ کو مستحکم کریں اور ان پٹھوں کو تیار کریں جو اسے کنٹرول کرتے ہیں۔ ہم عام طور پر اس نقطہ نظر کو کسی اور چیز کے بارے میں بات کرنے سے پہلے ایک منصفانہ آزمائش دیتے ہیں. اگر اعصاب کو کسی چیز کی طرف سے دبا دیا جا رہا ہے جیسے کیسٹ، یا آپ کے کندھے کے پچھلے حصے میں پٹھوں نے پہلے ہی ختم ہونا شروع کر دیا ہے، ہم اس مرحلے کو مختصر رکھتے ہیں، 3 ماہ سے زیادہ نہیں، لہذا پٹھوں کو اچھی طرح سے نقصان نہیں پہنچا ہے.

اگر یہ اقدامات آپ کے درد یا کمزوری کو حل نہیں کرتے ہیں تو، آپریشن پر غور کیا جا سکتا ہے. اس آپریشن کو اعصابی ڈکمپریشن کہا جاتا ہے۔ یہ اعصاب کو آزاد کرتا ہے جہاں یہ آپ کے کندھے کے قریب ایک تنگ خلا میں دبا ہوا ہے۔ یہ زیادہ تر معاملات میں کیچ ہول سرجری کے ذریعے کیا جاتا ہے، اور آپ کے کندھے کے اندر کسی بھی دوسرے مسائل کو ایک ہی وقت میں دیکھا اور علاج کیا جا سکتا ہے.

کیا توقع کریں

زیادہ تر لوگوں کے لئے، اگر اعصاب دبا رہے ہیں تو یہ حالت خود بخود ختم نہیں ہوتی۔ اگر اعصاب پر کوئی دباؤ نہیں ہے تو، پہلا قدم سرجری کے بغیر علاج ہے: فزیوتھیراپی، سوزش کی دوا، اور آپ کے کندھے کے استعمال کو تبدیل کرنا۔ بہت سے لوگ اس نقطہ نظر سے مطمئن ہیں. اگر کوئی چیز جیسے کیسٹ اعصاب کو دبا رہی ہے، یا آپ کا درد اور کمزوری بڑھتی جا رہی ہے، اعصاب کو آزاد کرنے کے لئے سرجری عام طور پر غور کیا جاتا ہے.

بحالی کا انحصار اس بات پر ہے کہ اعصاب کو کتنی دیر تک پریشان کیا گیا ہے۔ اگر پٹھوں کو ضائع نہیں کیا گیا ہے تو ، اعصاب کو آزاد کرنا اکثر درد کو دور کرتا ہے اور کندھے کی معمول کی تقریب کو بحال کرنے کی اجازت دیتا ہے۔ اگر عضلات پہلے ہی ضائع ہوچکے ہیں تو ، اس تبدیلی میں سے کچھ کو مکمل طور پر تبدیل نہیں کیا جاسکتا ہے ، حالانکہ طاقت اور راحت اب بھی بہتر ہوسکتی ہے۔ اعصاب کو آزاد کرنے کے لئے کیچ ہول سرجری کے نتیجے میں درد میں کمی ، ٹیسٹنگ پر بہتر پٹھوں کے اشارے ، اور جو لوگ اس کام میں تھے ان میں کندھے کی کارکردگی میں بہتری آئی ہے۔ اس قسم کی سرجری کے بعد طویل مدتی امکانات حوصلہ افزا نظر آتے ہیں، اور بعد میں فزیوتھراپی آپ کے کندھے کو اچھی طرح سے کام کرنے میں مدد کرتی ہے جبکہ اسے کمزوری سے بچانے میں مدد ملتی ہے.

اگر آپ کے کندھے میں بھی ایک بڑی ٹینڈو پھٹ گئی ہے، تو تصویر مختلف ہے۔ ٹینڈون کی مرمت بعض اوقات اعصاب کو خود بخود ٹھیک ہونے دیتی ہے۔ اس مرمت میں اعصاب کی رہائی کو شامل کرنے سے نتائج میں بہتری نہیں آئی ہے ، اور اس میں اعصاب کی کارکردگی کو بہتر بنانے کے بجائے خراب کرنے کا ایک چھوٹا سا خطرہ ہے۔ آپ کا سرجن آپ کے ساتھ یہ احتیاط سے وزن کرے گا.

چند ایماندار انتباہات. اعصاب خون کی وریدوں کے قریب چلتے ہیں جہاں یہ چھوٹ جاتا ہے، اور وہاں خون بہنا ایک معروف خطرہ ہے جس سے آپ کا سرجن بچنے کی کوشش کرتا ہے۔ [ صفحہ ۲۱ پر تصویر] اگر اعصاب آپریشن سے پہلے نارمل دکھائی دیتے ہیں، تو اسے چھوڑنے سے کوئی فائدہ نہیں ہوتا۔

یہ سب آپ کے انفرادی نتائج کے بارے میں کوئی وعدہ نہیں ہے. یہ ایک حقیقت پسندانہ تصویر ہے کہ کیا ہوتا ہے ، لہذا آپ واضح توقعات کے ساتھ کام ، کھیل اور روزمرہ کی زندگی کے ارد گرد منصوبہ بنا سکتے ہیں۔

کسی سے کب ملنا ہے

اگر آپ کے کندھے کے پچھلے حصے میں درد ہے جو کچھ ہفتوں سے زیادہ عرصے سے چل رہا ہے ، خاص طور پر اگر آپ بہت زیادہ کھیل یا کام کرتے ہیں تو اپنے ڈاکٹر سے رجوع کریں۔ اگر درد آپ کے بازو کو اوپر یا باہر اٹھاتے وقت کمزوری کے ساتھ آتا ہے ، یا اگر آپ کو اپنے کندھے کے پچھلے حصے میں عضلات کھوکھلی یا چپٹی نظر آتے ہیں تو ماہر سے معائنہ طلب کریں۔ اگر آپ کے کندھے میں درد ہو تو پوچھیں کہ کیا آپ کے کندھے میں درد ہو رہا ہے؟ یہ علامات اس بات کی نشاندہی کرتی ہیں کہ اعصاب دباؤ یا جلن کا شکار ہیں، اور جتنی جلدی اس کی جانچ پڑتال کی جائے گی، اس سے بہتر یہ ہے کہ ان پٹھوں کو ختم ہونے سے پہلے بچایا جا سکے۔

مزید گہرائی میں

یہ سیکشن آپ کے اپنے علاج کے فیصلوں کے لئے ضرورت سے زیادہ جاتا ہے. Suprascapular نیوروپیتھی اضافی پڑھنے کے قابل ہے کیونکہ ایک ہی اعصاب دو بالکل مختلف کرداروں میں ظاہر ہوتا ہے، کندھے کے درد اور کمزوری کی وجہ کے طور پر، اور درد کی امداد کے لئے ایک ہدف کے طور پر، اور دو کے لئے ثبوت معیار میں بہت مختلف ہے.

انتساب کے بارے میں ایک انتباہ کے ساتھ ڈیکمپریشن کام کرتا ہے

جہاں اعصاب دبا ہوا ہے، اسے چھوڑنا مؤثر ہے۔ اس پار 730 مریضوں، suprascapular اعصاب ڈیمپریشن مریضوں کی رپورٹ کردہ نتائج میں نمایاں طور پر بہتری لاتا ہے، ہے ڈکمپریشن کے بغیر کئے گئے اسی طرح کے طریقہ کار سے کمتر نہیں، اور کے ساتھ منسلک ہے کھیلوں میں واپسی کی اعلی شرح اور منفی واقعات کی نسبتا کم شرح [1].

وہاں کام کرنے کا جملہ "ڈکمپریشن کے بغیر اسی طرح کے طریقہ کار سے کمتر نہیں" ہے۔ اعصاب اکثر کسی اور وجہ سے کی جانے والی آپریشن کے دوران آزاد ہوجاتے ہیں ، مینچ کی مرمت ، یا کندھے کے بلیڈ پر گینگلیئن کو ہٹانے کے دوران ، لہذا اس میں بہتری کو خود ڈیکمپریشن سے منسوب کرنا مشکل ہے۔ اس سے مدد ملتی ہے، اور یہ اس کے ساتھ عمل کو بدتر نہیں کرتا ہے.

کیوں کمپریشن کی سطح تصویر بدلتا ہے

یہ اعصاب کندھے کے پٹھے کے گرد گھومتے ہوئے دو تنگ نقطوں سے گزرتے ہیں، اور جس میں سے ایک ملوث ہوتا ہے وہ پیشکش کا تعین کرتا ہے۔

پر کمپریشن suprascapular نشان، زیادہ اوپر، سپراسپینیٹس اور انفراسپینیٹس دونوں کو متاثر کرتا ہے، درد کے ساتھ ساتھ لفٹنگ اور بیرونی گردش میں کمزوری پیدا کرتا ہے. پر کمپریشن spinoglenoid نشان، مزید آگے ، صرف انفراسپیناٹوس کو متاثر کرتا ہے ، بیرونی گردش کی کمزوری اور کندھے کے کتے کی ریڑھ کی ہڈی کے نیچے کھوکھلی میں نظر آنے والی ضائع ہونے کا سبب بنتا ہے ، اکثر تھوڑا سا درد کے ساتھ۔

الگ تھلگ ضائع کرنے والی پریزنٹیشن وہ ہے جس کی کمی محسوس ہوتی ہے، کیونکہ اس سے زیادہ تکلیف نہیں ہوتی۔ اس سطح پر سب سے عام وجہ لیبرل آنسو سے پیدا ہونے والی گینگلیئن کیسٹ ہے، جس کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ اس پیٹرن کو تلاش کرنے کے لئے کیسٹ اور اس کے پیچھے آنسو کی تلاش کرنا چاہئے، کیونکہ وجہ کا علاج اعصاب سے خطاب کرتا ہے.

ایک درد بلاک کے طور پر، ثبوت اس کے استعمال سے پتہ چلتا ہے کے مقابلے میں پتلی ہے

آپریشن کے بعد اور دائمی حالتوں میں دونوں کے لئے کندھے کے درد کے لئے ایک ہی اعصاب وسیع پیمانے پر مقامی اینستیک کے ساتھ بلاک ہے. جسمانی نقصانات کا جائزہ 4,142 مریضوں، بلاک جسمانی نقصان کا کم خطرہ ہے، لیکن مصنفین نوٹ مداخلت میں heterogeneity اور کم معیار کے ثبوت، اور نقصانات کی بہتر تشخیص اور رپورٹنگ کا مطالبہ کرتے ہیں [2].

"کم معیار کے شواہد پر نقصان کا کم خطرہ" ایک مخصوص اور محدود دعوی ہے۔ یہ بلاک کی معقول حد تک محفوظ ہونے کی حمایت کرتا ہے۔ یہ اس بارے میں کوئی بیان نہیں ہے کہ یہ کس طرح کام کرتا ہے ، اور اسے ایک کے طور پر نہیں پڑھا جانا چاہئے۔

اس فرق کو لے جانے کے قابل

اس اعصاب کا نام دو چیزوں سے ملتا ہے اور انہیں ملایا نہیں جانا چاہئے۔ ایک نیوروپیتھی ایک ساختی مسئلہ ہے جہاں اعصاب کمپریسڈ ہے اور اکثر اس کی دستخط کے طور پر ضائع اور کمزوری کے ساتھ ڈیمپریس کیا جا سکتا ہے. اعصابی بلاک ایک علامتی علاج ہے جو جوڑ سے درد کے سگنلنگ کو روکتا ہے اور کوئی ساختی تبدیلی نہیں کرتا ہے۔

کمزوری اور دکھائی ضیاع نقطہ کرنے کے لئے سب سے پہلے. درد اکیلے، ان نتائج کے بغیر، عام طور پر دوسری جگہوں کی نشاندہی کرتا ہے، اور ایک بلاک جو اس سے نجات دیتا ہے تشخیص کی تصدیق کرنے کے بجائے analgesia فراہم کر رہا ہے.

حوالہ جات

[1] سینڈلر اے بی ، ویلز ایم ای ، ٹران سی ، ارکاوا آر ، کلاہس کے جے ، اسکینالیٹو جے پی ، اور دیگر۔ سپراسکیپولر اعصاب کی کمی کے بعد کھیل میں واپسی کی اعلی شرح: ایک منظم جائزہ۔ JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2024؛4(4):654-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.05.007

[2] Annison DR، Smith N، Salt E، Noblet T، Rangan A، McDaid C. suprascapular اعصاب بلاک مداخلتوں کے ساتھ منسلک جسمانی نقصانات: ایک منظم جائزہ. کندھے کوہنی. 2024;17(3):236-53. https://doi.org/10.1177/17585732241255679


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [1].
  • Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation of patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy [2].
  • Shoulder surgeons should be cognizant of the parameters that constitute an abnormal electrophysiologic study for suprascapular neuropathy [2].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy has been described with complete neurogenic fatty replacement in patients with intact rotator cuff tendons in the absence of traction or compression mechanisms [3].
  • Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not have a significant clinical impact [4].
  • Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not predispose to an acute postoperative lesion [4].
  • In a young, active cohort, suprascapular neuropathy presented with one of two distinct primary presenting complaints: pain or weakness [5].
  • Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in good functional outcomes [6].
  • Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression for suprascapular neuropathy at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch in the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology results in significant improvements from before to after surgery [6].
  • In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [7].
  • Initial treatment of isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification [8].
  • Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted for isolated suprascapular neuropathy when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [8].
  • Decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch did not lead to a better functional outcome compared to repair alone in patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy [9].
  • No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time [10].
  • Further research is necessary to better delineate the indications for suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair [10].
  • Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone [22].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Nerve Course and Entrapment Sites

  • The suprascapular nerve courses from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to its motor insertion on the supraspinatus and, more distally, the infraspinatus [13].
  • The superior transverse scapular ligament arises from the medial base of the coracoid overlying the suprascapular notch [32].
  • The suprascapular artery runs superior to the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the nerve runs deep to it [32].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch causes denervation of both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus [32].
  • The spinoglenoid ligament overlies the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch [32].
  • Entrapment, traction, or compression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch causes denervation of the infraspinatus [32].
  • Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch, including abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers, anterior coracoscapular ligament, and calcified superior transverse scapular ligament, are predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment [47].
  • The distances from the posterolateral corner of the acromion to the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches were approximately 43 and 32 mm, respectively, regardless of height and sex [46].

Etiology and Mechanisms

  • Suprascapular nerve neuropathy occurs when the nerve is injured along its course from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to its motor insertion on the supraspinatus and infraspinatus [13].
  • Nerve injury can occur from either compression or traction [13].
  • Cystic lesions arising from a labral or capsular tear can compress the nerve along its course over the scapula [13].
  • Nerve traction is theorized to arise from chronic overhead athletics or due to a retracted rotator cuff tear [13].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy with complete neurogenic fatty replacement has been described in patients with intact rotator cuff tendons in the absence of traction or compression mechanisms [3].
  • A lipoma can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [11].
  • A large hematoma of the scapula can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [16].
  • Malpositioned superior screws from reverse shoulder arthroplasty can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [28].
  • Placement of the superior and posterior screws in the glenoid baseplate during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty risks injury to the suprascapular nerve [48].

Pathophysiology and Tissue Changes

  • Suprascapular nerve injury is an underlying mechanism leading to compromise of the rotator cuff enthesis structure [12].
  • Suprascapular nerve injury may cause severe fatty changes and inhibition of postoperative tendon healing in large rotator cuff tears [51].
  • Decompression provides reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete [18].

Classification

  • Suprascapular neuropathy can present secondary to various etiologies including entrapment or compression [13].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve usually occurs at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch [19].
  • Suprascapular nerve entrapment has been reported secondary to a lipoma [11].
  • Varicose veins at the spinoglenoidal notch have been identified as an unusual cause of suprascapular nerve compression [19].
  • Suprascapular neuropathy is associated with rotator cuff tendon tears and fatty degeneration [1].
  • Chronic rotator cuff tendon tears and suprascapular neuropathy are both associated with fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles, but the pattern of fatty infiltration is markedly different in the two situations [14].
  • Suprascapular nerve injury can occur after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, with correlation to screw out of vault penetration [4].

Clinical Presentation

  • Suprascapular neuropathy is a potential source of shoulder pain and functional limitation [13].
  • Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome was first described and correctly interpreted by André Thomas in 1936, predating the commonly credited work of Kopell and Thompson [21].

Investigations

  • Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation for patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy [2].
  • High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to evaluate complex cases of nerve entrapment [49].
  • MRI-documented spontaneous resolution of a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy has been reported [52].
  • Surgical treatment for a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy could be withheld if patients show signs of clinical recovery, provided they are followed closely [52].
  • A complete history and physical, careful attention to auxiliary tests, and treatment of multiple diagnoses in the same shoulder avoids missed pathologic features and necessity for revision operations [11].
  • The pattern of fatty infiltration is markedly different in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendon tears compared to those with suprascapular neuropathy [14].
  • Chronic rotator cuff tendon tears and suprascapular neuropathy are both associated with fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles [14].
  • The axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula is oriented so that both the spinoglenoid notch and the scapular neck are visible [24].
  • Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder evaluation [24].
  • The temptation to "overimage" should be resisted, obtaining only the scans or reconstructions that are necessary for the care of the patient [24].
  • CT scans may offer a few degrees of increased precision in the measurement of glenoid version, but this precision does not improve the quality of the surgery or the clinical outcome [24].
  • The purpose of imaging of the shoulder is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [24].
  • At least two X-ray views should be obtained: an anteroposterior in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction to show the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [37].
  • Magnetic resonance imaging is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head, or a bone tumour [37].
  • Magnetic resonance imaging can identify labral tears and rotator cuff tears, although the accuracy for these is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [37].
  • Computed tomography is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [37].
  • Ultrasound is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [37].
  • Ultrasound can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage (aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff) [37].
  • Arthroscopy is useful for diagnosing and treating subacromial impingement, intra-articular lesions, detachment of the glenoid labrum and rotator cuff tears [37].
  • The shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [39].
  • Critical relationships—such as the degree of centering of the humeral head—change with the position of the arm [39].
  • Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [39].
  • Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [39].
  • Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields the information necessary to treat the patient while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [39].

Treatment

Non-Operative

  • Nonoperative treatment should include a period of rest and activity modification, and antiinflammatory medication followed by a supervised physical therapy program [41].
  • The focus of physical therapy is to preserve the normal physiologic range of motion of the shoulder and strengthen the shoulder girdle [41].
  • Physical therapy exercises include scapular stabilization, and resistive strength straining of the trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus musculature [41].
  • When a space occupying lesion is present or there is visible atrophy of the infraspinatus, the course of nonoperative treatment should be minimal (maximum 3 months) to avoid irreversible damage to the infraspinatus [41].

Operative

  • Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [8].
  • The primary indications for arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve and the spinoglenoid notch are a prolonged course of symptoms, most commonly a chronic ache in the posterolateral aspect of the shoulder, and a failed minimum 6 month course of nonoperative treatment [41].
  • 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 [6].
  • Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings and marked improvement in pain relief and function [44].
  • Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve and transverse ligament is a safe and effective treatment for competitive swimmers with suprascapular neuropathy, allowing return to sport with resolution of pain and improvement in function [45].
  • Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function [15].
  • Decompression gives reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete [18].
  • Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive RCTs and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone [22].
  • No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time, and further research is necessary to better delineate the indications in the future [10].

Postoperative Rehabilitation

  • In cases of isolated suprascapular nerve palsy at the spinoglenoid notch, patients were placed in a simple sling with immediate initiation of pendulum exercises and passive range of motion [42].
  • Patients were seen again at 1 week after surgery to assess strength and begin physical therapy, which consisted of passive range-of-motion and isometric exercises [42].
  • If significant infraspinatus atrophy was present, electrical stimulation was used [42].
  • Resistance and overhead exercises started at 4 to 8 weeks postoperatively in cases of isolated suprascapular nerve decompression at the spinoglenoid notch [42].

Complications

  • Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not have a significant clinical impact and do not predispose to an acute postoperative lesion [4].

Recovery

  • Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve 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 [6].
  • Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved following treatment for suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula [16].

Key Evidence

  • [L3] The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear. [1] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.011)
  • [L4] Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation of patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy and be cognizant of the parameters that constitute an abnormal study. [2] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.039)
  • [L4] This is the first description of suprascapular neuropathy with complete neurogenic fatty replacement in patients with intact rotator cuff tendons in the absence of traction or compression mechanisms. [3] (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.01.010)
  • [L1] Preoperative suprascapular nerve injuries do not have a significant clinical impact and do not predispose to an acute postoperative lesion. [4] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.06.026)
  • [L4] In this young, active cohort, suprascapular neuropathy presented with one of two distinct primary presenting complaints: pain or weakness. [5] (10.1177/2325967123s00003)
  • [L4] 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. [6] (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.020)
  • [L4] In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively. [7] (10.2106/00004623-199708000-00007)
  • [L5] Initial treatment of isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification; however, open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness. [8] (10.2106/jbjs.i.01743)
  • [L3] Decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch did not lead to a better functional outcome compared to repair alone in patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy. [9] (10.1186/s12891-021-04075-1)
  • [L4] No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time, and further research is necessary to better delineate the indications in the future. [10] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.033)
  • [L4] A complete history and physical, careful attention to auxiliary tests, and treatment of multiple diagnoses in the same shoulder avoids missed pathologic features and necessity for revision operations. [11] (10.1097/01.blo.0000063791.32430.59)
  • [L5] This study identifies suprascapular nerve injury as an underlying mechanism leading to compromise of the rotator cuff enthesis structure. [12] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.028)
  • [L5] [13] (10.5435/jaaos-d-19-00526)
  • [L4] Chronic rotator cuff tendon tears and suprascapular neuropathy are both associated with fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles, but the pattern of fatty infiltration is markedly different in the two situations. [14] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.028)
  • [L4] Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function. [15] (10.1177/03635465990270062101)
  • [Case_report] Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved. [16] (10.1186/s12891-023-06723-0)
  • [L5] Decompression gives reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete. [18] (10.5435/00124635-199911000-00002)
  • [L4] Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve usually occurs at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch. [19] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.05.022)
  • [L4] Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome was first described and correctly interpreted by André Thomas in 1936, predating the commonly credited work of Kopell and Thompson. [21] (10.2106/00004623-200108000-00018)
  • [L1] Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large/massive RCTs and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone. [22] (10.1177/03635465211021834)
  • [Case_report] This case is the first report of malpositioned superior screw from reverse shoulder arthroplasty causing suprascapular nerve entrapment. [28] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.004)
  • [L4] [41] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.04.004)
  • [L4] [42] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.03.009)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings and marked improvement in pain relief and function. [44] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.003)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve and transverse ligament is a safe and effective treatment for competitive swimmers with suprascapular neuropathy, allowing return to sport with resolution of pain and improvement in function. [45] (10.1177/0363546513477383)
  • [L4] Regardless of height and sex, the distances from the posterolateral corner of the acromion to the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches were approximately 43 and 32 mm, respectively. [46] (10.1016/j.jseint.2022.04.002)
  • [L4] Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch, including abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers, anterior coracoscapular ligament, and calcified superior transverse scapular ligament, are predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment. [47] (10.1007/s00167-003-0378-3)
  • [L5] Placement of the superior and posterior screws in the glenoid baseplate during rTSA risks injury to the SSN. [48] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.008)
  • [L5] They recommend high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate complex cases of nerve entrapment. [49] (10.1007/s11552-014-9652-8)
  • [L5] In clinical settings, SN injury may cause severe fatty changes and inhibition of postoperative tendon healing in large RCTs. [51] (10.5397/cise.2022.01207)
  • [Case_report] The authors report the first MRI-documented spontaneous resolution of a spinoglenoid notch cyst and associated suprascapular nerve palsy, proposing that surgical treatment could be withheld if patients show signs of clinical recovery, provided they are followed closely. [52] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.06.014)

References

[1] Association of suprascapular neuropathy with rotator cuff tendon tears and fatty degeneration. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.011

[2] Suprascapular neuropathy in a shoulder referral practice. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.039

[3] Complete Fatty Infiltration of Intact Rotator Cuffs Caused by Suprascapular Neuropathy. Arthroscopy. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.01.010

[4] Suprascapular nerve injury after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: correlation with screw out of vault penetration and functional situation: prospective study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.06.026

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[21] Who Really First Described and Explained the Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome?. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American Volume. 2001. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-200108000-00018

[22] Outcomes of Arthroscopic Nerve Release in Patients Treated for Large or Massive Rotator Cuff Tears and Associated Suprascapular Neuropathy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/03635465211021834

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