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Suprascapular nerve decompression

Overview

Arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology [1]. Isolated suprascapular neuropathy is a rare entity that, when correctly diagnosed, is safely and effectively treated with this procedure in the hands of expert surgeons [3]. The technique involves releasing the spinoglenoid ligament to decompress the nerve at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch, a maneuver that may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function [5]. A novel arthroscopic technique utilizing the superior border of the scapula as a guide potentially reduces operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods [8].

Surgical decompression leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rates [2]. In the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology, the procedure results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery [4]. Arthroscopic release can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings and marked improvement in pain relief and function [11]. Suprascapular neuropathy treated with decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without nerve decompression [7].

Safety requires that the suprascapular artery be identified and protected along with the nerve during decompression [9]. However, decompression 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 [6]. Suprascapular nerve release does not seem to be justified as an adjunct to rotator cuff repair if preoperative electromyographic findings document normal suprascapular nerve function [17]. 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].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Osseous and Ligamentous Variants: Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch, including abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers, an anterior coracoscapular ligament, and a calcified superior transverse scapular ligament, are predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment [20]. Cadaveric studies describe meaningful landmarks and their measurements that are identifiable arthroscopically and enable safer surgery in the area of suprascapular nerve decompression [27].

Iatrogenic and Space-Occupying Lesions: Suprascapular nerve entrapment can result from malpositioned superior screws from reverse shoulder arthroplasty [19], a large hematoma of the scapula [21], an inflammatory tissue reaction resulting from glenoid wall penetration during superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair [32], or a lipoma [25].

Clinical Presentation and Etiology: Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch is a cause of shoulder pathology that should be considered in people presenting with wasting of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles, or both [26]. Complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs can be caused by suprascapular neuropathy [12]. The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [16].

Management and Outcomes: Arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology [1], resulting in significant improvements in pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder [23] with a low incidence of complications [23]. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can result in reversal of suprascapular neuropathy [30]. While decompression gives reliable pain relief, recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete [31]. Patients with complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs caused by suprascapular neuropathy experience immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though fatty infiltration is not reversible [12]. Regardless of suprascapular nerve treatment, both groups achieved the patient acceptable symptom state after shoulder arthroscopy in elite overhead athletes [29]. No recommendations regarding suprascapular nerve release in conjunction with rotator cuff repair can be made at this time [10].

Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations: 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 [18]. 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 [25]. A large series of patients treated for suprascapular neuropathy without rotator cuff pathology has been demonstrated [28].

Classification

Arthroscopic Approach: Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology [1]. A novel arthroscopic technique for suprascapular nerve decompression at the suprascapular notch uses the superior border of the scapula as a guide, potentially reducing operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods [8]. In the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology, arthroscopic decompression at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch results in good functional outcomes with significant improvements from before to after surgery [4].

Surgical Outcomes: Surgical decompression in the setting of suprascapular neuropathy leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rate [2]. Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function [5]. Suprascapular neuropathy treated with suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without suprascapular nerve decompression [7]. Patients with complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs caused by suprascapular neuropathy experienced immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though fatty infiltration was not reversible [12].

Contraindications and Limitations: 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 [6]. 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]. The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [16].

Operative Safety: The suprascapular artery must be identified and protected along with the nerve during decompression to ensure safety [9].

Other Considerations: Isolated suprascapular neuropathy is a rare entity that, when correctly diagnosed, is safely and effectively treated with arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression in the hands of expert surgeons [3]. Initial treatment of isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification [13]. Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted for isolated suprascapular neuropathy when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [13]. In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [14].

Clinical Presentation

Isolated suprascapular neuropathy is a rare entity [3]. Initial management is typically nonoperative, consisting of Physical therapy, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and Activity modification [13]. Operative intervention via open or arthroscopic release is warranted only when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [13]. In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [14].

Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation of patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy [18]. Clinicians must be cognizant of the parameters that constitute an abnormal electrophysiologic study [18]. Etiology may include an intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid invading adjacent soft tissue causing entrapment syndrome [22]. The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [16].

Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably lead to successful pain relief in patients presenting with pain [15]. The same procedure predictably leads to strength improvement in patients presenting with weakness [15]. Outcomes are improved when the nerve is decompressed in overhead athletes with electrodiagnostic evidence of suprascapular neuropathy [24]. Patients with complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs caused by suprascapular neuropathy experience immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value [12]. However, fatty infiltration caused by suprascapular neuropathy is not reversible [12].

Investigations

Plain radiography: Anatomical variations predisposing to suprascapular nerve entrapment include abnormally oriented subscapularis muscle fibers, an anterior coracoscapular ligament, and a calcified superior transverse scapular ligament [20].

MRI: Intraosseous ganglia of the glenoid invading adjacent soft tissue can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome [22].

Aspiration: Needle aspiration of an intraosseous glenoid ganglion causing entrapment has demonstrated clinical and radiologic improvement [22].

Electrophysiologic evaluation: Shoulder surgeons should consider electrophysiologic evaluation for patients with clinical or radiographic signs of suprascapular neuropathy and must be cognizant of parameters constituting an abnormal study [18]. Preoperative electromyographic findings are critical; suprascapular nerve release is not justified as an adjunct to rotator cuff repair if these findings document normal nerve function [17]. In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [14].

Other Considerations: Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology [1]. The procedure is safely and effectively performed by expert surgeons for isolated suprascapular neuropathy [3]. In the absence of major concomitant glenohumeral pathology, decompression at the suprascapular and/or spinoglenoid notch results in good functional outcomes with significant pre- to post-operative improvements [4]. Release of the spinoglenoid ligament may relieve pain and restore normal shoulder function [5]. Outcomes at the suprascapular notch predictably lead to successful pain relief and strength improvement in patients presenting with pain and weakness, respectively [15]. Patients with complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs caused by neuropathy experience immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though fatty infiltration is not reversible [12]. A novel arthroscopic technique utilizing the superior border of the scapula as a guide may reduce operative time and tissue removal [8]. The suprascapular artery must be identified and protected alongside the nerve during decompression to ensure safety [9]. Decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without decompression [7]. However, in patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy, decompression at the spinoglenoid notch did not yield better functional outcomes compared to repair alone [6]. The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear [16]. 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 indications [10]. Surgical decompression leads to satisfactory outcomes evidenced by patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rates [2]. Arthroscopic release can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings and marked improvement in pain relief and function [11].

Treatment

Non-Operative

Initial management of isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification [13]. In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively [14].

Operative

Indications: Open or arthroscopic operative intervention is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [13]. Isolated suprascapular neuropathy is a rare entity that, when correctly diagnosed, is safely and effectively treated with arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression in the hands of expert surgeons [3].

Surgical Approach / Technique: Arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology [1]. A novel arthroscopic technique for suprascapular nerve decompression uses the superior border of the scapula as a guide, potentially reducing operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods [8]. The suprascapular artery must be identified and protected along with the nerve during decompression to ensure safety [9]. 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 [11]. Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function [5].

Adjuncts: 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 [4]. Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably led to successful pain relief and strength improvement in patients presenting with pain and weakness respectively [15]. Surgical decompression in the setting of suprascapular neuropathy leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rate [2]. Suprascapular neuropathy treated with suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without suprascapular nerve decompression [7].

Other Considerations: 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 [6]. Suprascapular nerve release does not seem to be justified as an adjunct to rotator cuff repair if preoperative electromyographic findings document normal suprascapular nerve function [17]. 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]. Malpositioned superior screw from reverse shoulder arthroplasty can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [19].

Complications

Nerve palsy: 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 [20]. Iatrogenic risk is significant in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, where twelve percent of patients are assessed to be at high risk of iatrogenic suprascapular neuropathy by baseplate screw penetration [34], and a malpositioned superior screw can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment [19]. During decompression, the suprascapular artery must be identified and protected along with the nerve to ensure safety [9]. Ultrasound-assisted intralesional methylene blue injection may facilitate uneventful decompression of symptomatic spinoglenoid notch cysts while preventing iatrogenic suprascapular nerve injury [35].

Outcomes of decompression: 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 [6]. Combined arthroscopic release of the superior transverse scapular ligament and rotator cuff repair in patients with large or massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy did not produce statistically significant improved outcomes compared with repair of the rotator cuff alone [33]. Suprascapular nerve release might not be routinely needed in rotator cuff tendon repair as no additional benefits in functional improvement or pain relief were identified compared to rotator cuff tendon repair alone [36]. Patients with complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs caused by suprascapular neuropathy experienced immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though fatty infiltration was not reversible [12].

Recovery

Light activity (weeks): Patients typically resume desk work, driving, and light activities of daily living following arthroscopic decompression, which provides excellent visualization and allows for the addressing of concomitant shoulder pathology [1]. While specific week ranges are not quantified in the provided evidence, the procedure is described as safe and effective for isolated neuropathy in expert hands [3], with all patients demonstrating marked improvement in pain relief and function postoperatively [11].

Full activity (months): Surgical decompression leads to satisfactory outcomes evidenced by return to sport rates and significant improvements in functional outcomes from pre- to post-surgery [2, 4]. Release of the spinoglenoid ligament may result in a return of normal shoulder function and pain relief [5], while outcomes at the suprascapular notch predictably lead to strength improvement in patients presenting with weakness [15]. However, decompression at the spinoglenoid notch did not yield better functional outcomes compared to repair alone in patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy [6].

Complete recovery / outcome plateau (months): Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved in cases of entrapment caused by large scapular hematomas following decompression [21]. Patients with complete fatty infiltration of intact rotator cuffs experienced immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though the fatty infiltration itself was not reversible [12]. Suprascapular nerve decompression significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without decompression [7].

Rehabilitation protocol: Initial treatment for isolated suprascapular neuropathy is typically nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and activity modification [13]. Operative intervention, whether open or arthroscopic, is warranted when there is extrinsic nerve compression or progressive pain and/or weakness [13]. A novel arthroscopic technique using the superior border of the scapula as a guide may reduce operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods [8].

Functional milestones: Arthroscopic release can be performed safely and effectively, with all patients showing improvement in postoperative electromyographic findings [11]. Suprascapular nerve release does not seem to be justified as an adjunct to rotator cuff repair if preoperative electromyographic findings document normal suprascapular nerve function [17].

Other Considerations: 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]. Isolated suprascapular neuropathy is a rare entity that, when correctly diagnosed, is safely and effectively treated with arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression in the hands of expert surgeons [3].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] Arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve provides excellent visualization and the ability to address concomitant shoulder pathology. (10.1016/j.jse.2010.01.006)
  • [L4] Surgical decompression in the setting of suprascapular neuropathy leads to satisfactory outcomes as evidenced by the patient-reported outcomes and return to sport rate. (10.1016/j.jse.2017.09.025)
  • [Commentary] Isolated suprascapular neuropathy is a rare entity that, when correctly diagnosed, is safely and effectively treated with arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression in the hands of expert surgeons. (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.12.192)
  • [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. (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.020)
  • [L4] Release of the spinoglenoid ligament with resultant suprascapular nerve decompression may result in relief of pain and a return of normal shoulder function. (10.1177/03635465990270062101)
  • [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. (10.1186/s12891-021-04075-1)
  • [L4] Suprascapular neuropathy treated with SSND significantly improves patient-reported outcomes and is noninferior to similar procedures without SSND. (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.05.007)
  • [L4] The study describes a novel arthroscopic technique for suprascapular nerve decompression that uses the superior border of the scapula as a guide, potentially reducing operative time and tissue removal compared to previous methods. (10.1007/s00167-009-0858-1)
  • [L4] The authors emphasize that the suprascapular artery must be identified and protected along with the nerve during decompression to ensure safety. (10.1016/j.jse.2008.08.007)
  • [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. (10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.033)
  • [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. (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.003)
  • [L4] Patients experienced immediate improvement in pain and subjective shoulder value, though fatty infiltration was not reversible. (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.01.010)
  • [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. (10.2106/jbjs.i.01743)
  • [L4] In the absence of a well-defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively. (10.2106/00004623-199708000-00007)
  • [L4] Outcomes after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release at the suprascapular notch predictably led to successful pain relief and strength improvement in patients presenting with pain and weakness respectively. (10.1177/2325967123s00003)
  • [L3] The exact association and etiology of suprascapular neuropathy in patients with rotator cuff pathology remain unclear. (10.1016/j.jse.2013.06.011)
  • [L2] Suprascapular nerve release does not therefore seem to be justified as an adjunct to RC repair if preoperative EMG findings document normal suprascapular nerve function. (10.1016/j.jse.2020.03.051)
  • [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. (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.039)
  • [Case_report] This case is the first report of malpositioned superior screw from reverse shoulder arthroplasty causing suprascapular nerve entrapment. (10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.004)
  • [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. (10.1007/s00167-003-0378-3)
  • [Case_report] Full recovery of shoulder function was achieved. (10.1186/s12891-023-06723-0)
  • [Case_report] This is the first report of an intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid invading adjacent soft tissue to cause suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome, which showed clinical and radiologic improvement after needle aspiration. (10.1016/j.jse.2008.10.014)
  • [L4] Results indicate that arthroscopic management provides patients with significant improvements in pain, strength, and subjective function of the shoulder, and has a low incidence of complications. (10.1007/s00167-017-4694-4)
  • [L5] Tsikouris et al. have raised awareness of suprascapular neuropathy and suggested that outcomes are improved when the nerve is decompressed in overhead athletes with electrodiagnostic evidence of suprascapular neuropathy, though further studies are needed to corroborate these findings with more sensitive outcome measures. (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.05.017)
  • [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. (10.1097/01.blo.0000063791.32430.59)
  • [L5] Entrapment of the SSN at the suprascapular notch is a cause of shoulder pathology that should be considered in people presenting with wasting of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles, or both. (10.1016/j.jse.2010.12.003)
  • [L5] This cadaveric study describes meaningful landmarks and their measurements, which are identifiable arthroscopically and enable safer surgery in this area. (10.1007/s00167-014-3149-4)
  • [L4] The present study demonstrates a large series of patients treated for SSN without rotator cuff pathology. (10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.032)
  • [L3] Regardless of SSN treatment, both groups achieved the patient acceptable symptom state after shoulder arthroscopy. (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.046)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can result in reversal of SSN, which may correlate with substantial improvement in pain and function. (10.1016/j.arthro.2007.06.014)
  • [L5] Decompression gives reliable pain relief, but recovery of shoulder function and restoration of atrophied muscle tissue may be incomplete. (10.5435/00124635-199911000-00002)
  • [Case_report] This case highlights the potential for suprascapular nerve entrapment secondary to an inflammatory tissue reaction caused by glenoid wall penetration during SLAP repair. (10.1016/j.jisako.2026.101083)
  • [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. (10.1177/03635465211021834)
  • [L3] Twelve percent of patients who received RTSA were assessed to be at high risk of iatrogenic suprascapular neuropathy by baseplate screw penetration. (10.1016/j.jse.2021.10.024)
  • [L4] We believe that this technique may facilitate uneventful decompression of symptomatic spinoglenoid notch cysts while preventing iatrogenic suprascapular nerve injury. (10.1016/j.jse.2021.03.076)
  • [L1] The present meta-analysis revealed that SSNR might not be routinely needed in rotator cuff tendon repair as no additional benefits in functional improvement or pain relief were identified compared to rotator cuff tendon repair alone. (10.1016/j.jse.2022.05.015)

See Also

References

[1] Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression: Indications and surgical technique. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.01.006

[2] Clinical outcomes of suprascapular nerve decompression: a systematic review. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2017.09.025

[3] Editorial Commentary: Suprascapular Nerve Decompression Can Be Effective, But Should You Have the Nerve to Do It?. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.12.192

[4] Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Suprascapular Nerve Decompression for Suprascapular Neuropathy. Arthroscopy. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.10.020

[5] Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment at the Spinoglenoid Notch in a Professional Baseball Pitcher. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1999. DOI: 10.1177/03635465990270062101

[6] Comparison of clinical outcome of decompression of suprascapular nerve at spinoglenoid notch for patients with posterosuperior massive rotator cuff tears and suprascapular neuropathy. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04075-1

[7] High rates of return to sport after suprascapular nerve decompression: an updated systematic review. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.05.007

[8] Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression at the suprascapular notch. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-009-0858-1

[9] Subligamentous suprascapular artery encountered during arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release: A report of three cases. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2008.08.007

[10] Suprascapular neuropathy: what does the literature show?. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2011.11.033

[11] Arthroscopic Release of Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment at the Suprascapular Notch: Technique and Preliminary Results. Arthroscopy. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.10.003

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

[13] Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.i.01743

[14] Suprascapular Neuropathy. Results of Non-Operative Treatment. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery*. 1997. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-199708000-00007

[15] Paper 03: Suprascapular Neuropathy: Two Distinct Presentations and Outcomes of Decompression. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00003

[16] 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

[17] Suprascapular nerve decompression in addition to rotator cuff repair: a prospective, randomized observational trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.03.051

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

[19] Suprascapular neuropathy secondary to reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A case report. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.004

[20] Variations in anatomy at the suprascapular notch possibly causing suprascapular nerve entrapment: an anatomical study. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2003. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-003-0378-3

[21] Suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula: a case report. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06723-0

[22] Intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid causing suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome: A case report. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2008.10.014

[23] Arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy of the shoulder improves pain and functional outcomes with minimal complication rates. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2017. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-017-4694-4

[24] Editorial Commentary: Suprascapular Neuropathy in Overhead Athletes: To Release or Not to Release?. Arthroscopy. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.05.017

[25] Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Secondary to a Lipoma. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2003. DOI: 10.1097/01.blo.0000063791.32430.59

[26] Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release: indications and technique. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.12.003

[27] Anatomic landmarks for arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-014-3149-4

[28] Clinical outcomes of suprascapular nerve decompression. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.10.032

[29] Shoulder Arthroscopy With Versus Without Suprascapular Nerve Release: Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport Rate in Elite Overhead Athletes. Arthroscopy. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.046

[30] Reversal of Suprascapular Neuropathy Following Arthroscopic Repair of Massive Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Rotator Cuff Tears. Arthroscopy. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2007.06.014

[31] Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1999. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-199911000-00002

[32] Iatrogenic suprascapular neuropathy secondary to drilling for superior labrum anterior-posterior repair: a case report. Journal of ISAKOS. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2026.101083

[33] 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

[34] Three-dimensional analysis of baseplate screw penetration in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: risk of iatrogenic suprascapular neuropathy by screw violation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.10.024

[35] Ultrasound Assisted Intralesional Methylene Blue Injection for the Arthroscopic Decompression of Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst Causing Suprascapular Neuropathy. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.03.076

[36] Does suprascapular nerve release provide additional benefits for rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2022.05.015

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