Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression: Indications and surgical technique

Background

Although entrapment of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is an infrequent presentation of shoulder pain, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent chronic supraspinatus and infraspinatus atrophy.

Materials and methods

We present a technique that allows SSN decompression at the spinoglenoid notch or suprascapular notch through the subacromial space.

Results and conclusions

This method allows for facile decompression of the SSN after repair of concomitant shoulder pathology and allows direct visualization of the medial neck of the glenoid to avoid complications of iatrogenic SSN nerve injury from aggressive medial capsule dissection. The purpose of this article is to provide surgeons with a safe, reliable method to decompress the SSN at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch

Level of Evidence: Review and Technique Article

Keywords: Suprascapular nerve, spinoglenoid, decompression, arthroscopy, shoulder, subacromial