Skip to content

Suprascapular nerve palsy

Contents

Definition

  • Is usually the result of compression of the nerve in the suprascapular notch

Causes

  • Chronic mechanical pressure, as a result of:
    • Weightlifting
    • Crossfit
    • Tennis
    • Bandy
    • Volleyball
    • Baseball
  • Direct trauma
    • Example, fracture of scapula
  • Compression
    • From lipoma1
    • From intraosseus ganglion cysts2
    • From supraglenoid or spinoglenoid cysts3 4 5 6 7 8
    • Wearing a backpack for a prolonged period
  • Idiopathic

Development

  • Usually painful the first 3 weeks and then pain subsides
  • Weakness will usually disappear spontaneously within 6-12 months

Indications

  • Pain in trapezius and scapular area
  • Difficulty lifting arm above shoulder level

Examination

  • Resisted abduction – weak
  • Resisted lateral rotation – clear weakness

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12782867/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19157912/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12782867/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19157912/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18185886/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18332348/
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8679037/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10550533/