title: Suprascapular neuropathy. Results of non-operative treatment.
abstract: We retrospectively reviewed the results of non-operative treatment of suprascapular neuropathy in fifteen patients seen between November 1983 and February 1991. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed with electrodiagnostic studies. The treatment consisted of a program of physical therapy to improve the range of motion of the shoulder and to strengthen the surrounding muscles. The average duration of follow-up was three years and eleven months (range, one year to eight years and ten months). The latest evaluation included electrodiagnostic studies of the affected extremity and dynamic isokinetic testing of both upper extremities. The result was excellent for five patients and good for seven. The three remaining patients had operative treatment because of persistent symptoms; one of these patients had an excellent result, one had a good result, and one had a poor result. The results suggest that, in the absence of a well defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, The Hospital for Special Sugery, Affiliated with The New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, New York City, N.Y. 10021, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Wickiewicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009431:Neural Conduction; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012782:Shoulder; D016896:Treatment Outcome