Arthroscopic Decompression of the Suprascapular Nerve at the Spinoglenoid Notch and Suprascapular Notch Through the Subacromial Space

Neil Ghodadra*, Shane J. Nho, Nikhil N. Verma, Stefanie Reiff, Dana P. Piasecki, Matthew T. Provencher, Anthony A. Romeo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

Suprascapular nerve entrapment can cause disabling shoulder pain. Suprascapular nerve release is often performed for compression neuropathy and to release pressure on the nerve associated with arthroscopic labral repair. This report describes a novel all-arthroscopic technique for decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch or spinoglenoid notch through a subacromial approach. Through the subacromial space, spinoglenoid notch cysts can be visualized between the supraspinatus and infraspinatus at the base of the scapular spine. While viewing the subacromial space through the lateral portal, the surgeon can use a shaver through the posterior portal to decompress a spinoglenoid notch cyst at the base of the scapular spine. To decompress the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch, a shaver through the posterior portal removes the soft tissue on the acromion and distal clavicle to expose the coracoclavicular ligaments. The medial border of the conoid ligament is identified and followed to its coracoid attachment. The supraspinatus muscle is retracted with a blunt trocar placed through an accessory Neviaser portal. The transverse scapular ligament, which courses inferior to the suprascapular artery, is sectioned with arthroscopic scissors, and the suprascapular nerve is decompressed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)439-445
Number of pages7
JournalArthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Arthroscopy
  • Rotator cuff
  • Shoulder
  • Suprascapular nerve
  • Suprascapular notch
  • Transverse scapular ligament

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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