Korean J Occup Environ Med.  1999 Dec;11(4):585-593.

Three Cases of Work-Related Suprascapular Entrapment Neuropathy

• Jeong DS
• Sung KB
• Shin HK
• Ahn MY
• Kim HS
• Hong YE

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve is frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain.
METHODS
Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy is a well-defined clinical entity and EMG and NCV is used to confirm a diagnosis. But the diagnosis is typically not considered until patients develop severe weakness secondary to atrophy of the spinous musculature that the nerve supplies.
RESULTS
A narrow suprascapular notch has rarely been reported as a work-related factor of this entrapment neuropathy. Diagnosis of suprascapular entrapment neuropathy is based on the patients' clinical course, neurologic, radiologic, and electrophysiologic findings. One of the most helpful evaluations was the anteriorposterior projection with the X-ray tube angled 15-30 degree caudally. The suprascapular entrapment neuropathy is relatively uncommon entity of shoulder discomfort (pain, weakness, and atrophy).
CONCLUSIONS
If the worker who used his shoulder joint repetitiously having the shoulder pain and muscle weakness, we must rule out the suprascapular entrapment neuropathy. And it is needed to evaluate the motions which cause suprascapular entrapment neuropathy as the ergonomic factor.

Keyword

Suprascapular nerve; Occupational factor (work-related)

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Equipment and Supplies
Humans
Muscle Weakness
Shoulder
Shoulder Joint
Shoulder Pain