Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve: anatomy, etiology, diagnosis, treatment

Abstract

Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve is a rare peripheral neuropathy, which can be easily overlooked in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve can occur at different locations along the pathway of the nerve. The primary symptoms are pain, weakness, and atrophy of the supraspinate and infraspinate muscles. Differential diagnosis should include brachial plexopathy, disorders of the cervical spine, cervical discopathy, glenohumeral pathology, tendonitis, and rotator cuff tear. Accurate diagnosis facilitates appropriate and timely treatment.