AANA/ISAKOS Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy Course-Online Didactics (April 2024)-Suprascapular Nerve Release

Suprascapular Nerve Release_ You Never Know When You Might Need It

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Kevin Plancher presents the importance of arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release in diagnosing and treating posterior shoulder pain, often misattributed to cervical disc or rotator cuff disease. The suprascapular nerve can be compressed at two sites—the transvascular and spinal glenoid ligaments—leading to muscle atrophy, primarily in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, despite preserved shoulder motion. He details surgical techniques for releasing these ligaments via specific portals and emphasizes recognizing subtle atrophy through physical exam and diagnostic injections. Imaging and EMG assist diagnosis, though injections assessing nerve relief are highly useful. Literature supports nerve release, showing improved function and high return-to-sport rates in overhead athletes. Dr. Plancher urges timely surgical intervention rather than delaying treatment for posterior shoulder pain to avoid permanent functional loss, hoping to enhance clinician awareness and patient outcomes in managing this often underdiagnosed condition.

Keywords

arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release

posterior shoulder pain

suprascapular nerve compression

muscle atrophy supraspinatus infraspinatus

surgical treatment shoulder nerve entrapment