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Rotator Cuff Injuries pp 313–326Cite as

Suprascapular Nerve Release with Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Suprascapular neuropathy is an increasingly recognized pathology associated with retracted large or massive rotator cuff tears; however, there is currently a paucity of data in the literature to guide optimal management. The cases presented emphasize the diagnostic workup, particularly electrodiagnostic studies, followed by a discussion of surgical technique for arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release for compression in the context of rotator cuff tears and after rotator cuff repair. Clinical studies have shown that most cases of suprascapular neuropathy associated with rotator cuff tears resolve following rotator cuff repair alone. In certain cases of irreparable tears or massive tears requiring extensive mobilization, release of the suprascapular nerve may be indicated. In addition, suprascapular neuropathy should be considered as a possible etiology in the differential in patients who experience weakness and pain following rotator cuff repair.

Keywords

  • Suprascapular neuropathy
  • Nerve compression
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Electromyography
  • Arthroscopy

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Abbreviations

EMG:

Electromyography

NCV:

Nerve conduction velocity

RC:

Rotator cuff

SSN:

Suprascapular neuropathy

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive Suite 1000, Vail, CO, 81657, USA

    Erik M. Fritz M.D., J. Christoph Katthagen M.D., Robert E. Boykin M.D. & Peter J. Millett M.D., M.Sc.

  2. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, University Hospital Muenster, Gebaeude W1, Muenster, 48149, Germany

    J. Christoph Katthagen M.D.

  3. The Steadman Clinic, 181 West Meadow Drive Suite 400, Vail, CO, 81657, USA

    Robert E. Boykin M.D. & Peter J. Millett M.D., M.Sc.

Authors
  1. Erik M. Fritz M.D.
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  2. J. Christoph Katthagen M.D.
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  3. Robert E. Boykin M.D.
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  4. Peter J. Millett M.D., M.Sc.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter J. Millett M.D., M.Sc. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. McMahon Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Department of Bioengineering University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Patrick J. McMahon

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Fritz, E.M., Katthagen, J.C., Boykin, R.E., Millett, P.J. (2018). Suprascapular Nerve Release with Rotator Cuff Tears. In: McMahon, P. (eds) Rotator Cuff Injuries. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63668-9_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63668-9_20

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