Suprascapular neuropathy or suprascapular nerve entrapment occurs if the suprascapular nerve is compressed as it passes through the suprascapular notch or spinoglenoid notch.
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Clinical presentation
Non-specific posterior shoulder pain and weakness.
Pathology
Etiology
masses (e.g. ganglion cyst, paralabral cyst, tumor) in the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch
traction injury (from sports with overhead action)
direct trauma
scapular or humeral fractures (e.g. bony fragments, callus formation)
complete and retracted supraspinatus tendon tear
Radiographic features
MRI
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direct features of entrapment 3
nerve swelling with an increased cross-sectional diameter
signal changes of the nerve
visualization of the causative factor
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indirect features of entrapment via features of muscle atrophy or acute denervation 3
supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles: compression at the suprascapular notch
infraspinatus muscle only: compression at the spinoglenoid notch