Diagnosing suprascapular neuropathy in patients with shoulder dysfunction: a report of 5 cases.
OBJECTIVE
Suprascapular neuropathy, resulting in shoulder pain and weakness, is frequently misdiagnosed. The consequences of misdiagnosis can include inappropriate physical rehabilitation or surgical procedures. The purpose of this case report is to describe the differential diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy.


METHODS
Five patients were initially diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome and referred for physical therapy. Physical therapist examination findings were consistent with subacromial impingement syndrome and suprascapular neuropathy. Subsequent electrophysiologic testing confirmed the diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy in all 5 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The differential diagnosis of patients with suprascapular neuropathy includes subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff pathology, C5-6 radiculopathy, and upper trunk brachial plexopathy. The diagnostic process and a table with key findings based on evidence and clinical experience is presented for differential diagnosis.
Walsworth
Matthew K
MK
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Mills
James T
JT
Michener
Lori A
LA
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010808:Physical Examination; D012782:Shoulder / Q000294:innervation*; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome