title: Suprascapular Nerve Pathology: A Review of the Literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Suprascapular nerve pathology is a rare diagnosis that is increasingly gaining popularity among the conditions that cause shoulder pain and dysfunction. The suprascapular nerve passes through several osseoligamentous structures and can be compressed in several locations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A thorough literature search was performed using online available databases in order to carefully define the pathophysiology and to guide diagnosis and treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Suprascapular neuropathy diagnosis is based on a careful history and a thorough clinical and radiological examination. Although the incidence and prevalence of the condition remain unknown, it is highly diagnosed in specific groups (overhead athletes, patients with a massive rotator cuff tear) probably due to higher interest. The location and the etiology of the compression are those that define the treatment modality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Suprascapular neuropathy diagnosis is based on a careful history and a thorough clinical and radiological examination. The purpose of this article is to describe the anatomy of the suprascapular nerve, to define the pathophysiology of suprascapular neuropathy and to present methodically the current diagnostic and treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Lazaros
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kostretzis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Theodoroudis
authors.affiliation: 424 General Military Hospital of Thessaloniki, Efkarpia, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Achilleas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boutsiadis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Papadakis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Pericles
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
keywords: Ligament; Nerve; Neuropathy; Notch; Release; Repair; Review; Rotator cuff; Suprascapular