Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression

Suprascapular neuropathy is a relatively uncommon cause of shoulder pain, but when it does occur, it can cause significant pain and dysfunction of the shoulder. Suprascapular neuropathy commonly occurs with additional shoulder pathology making the diagnosis more elusive. The suprascapular nerve is vulnerable to insult at multiple points in its path and the injury can be static or dynamic. Identifying the location of the injury through history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing will allow for the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Open decompression can provide reliable results, but arthroscopic decompression allows for the identification and treatment of concomitant shoulder pathology, including a massive rotator cuff tear or ganglion cyst. Arthroscopic treatment can provide reliable pain relief, whereas regaining function can be less predictable.