Failed rotator cuff surgery

Abstract

Suprascapular neuropathy is a disorder characterized by shoulder pain and/or weakness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles of the rotator cuff. Suprascapular neuropathy may present with a variety of clinical symptoms including pain and weakness in forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation of the shoulder, muscle wasting, as well as sensory disturbances about the superior and posterior aspects of the shoulder. Diagnosis is usually suspected in patients presenting with pain in the superior, posterior, or posterolateral aspect of the shoulder and isolated atrophy and/or weakness of the supraspinatus and/or the infraspinatus. This condition can also be present and not produce any symptoms, such as in volleyball players who may develop marked atrophy of the infraspinatus and external rotation weakness from traction on the suprascapular nerve without any pain, loss of function, or reduced efficiency when competing. Additionally, the frequent existence of concomitant shoulder disorders can make diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy difficult.