A new strategy for treatment of suprascapular entrapment neuropathy in athletes: Shaving of the base of the scapular spine

The Spinoglenoid Ligament

“…The null hypothesis for this study was that the spinoglenoid ligament is an anatomic variant, as other authors have not agreed on its presence or prevalence 1,7,8,11,12 . The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence, anatomy, morphology, and histological characteristics of the spinoglenoid ligament in fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders.…”

“…Anatomic dissections have shown a wide variation in the prevalence of the spinoglenoid ligament 1,4,5,7,8,10,11 . Some investigators have omitted commentary on this ligament because it has been thought that the structure is indistinct 11,12 or that its clinical relevance has not yet been defined.…”

Suprascapular neuropathy: what does the literature show?

“…Complete resolution of pain and improvements in function were achieved in all patients, and thus, wide decompression was advocated. 52 Sandow and Ilic 93 also suggest release of both the transverse scapular ligament and spinoglenoid ligament, coupled with spinoglenoid notchplasty, for dynamic neuropathy at the spinoglenoid notch. They argue that concomitant decompression at the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches helps alleviate and avoid a ''doublecrush'' phenomenon and provides the best opportunity for full neurologic recovery.…”

Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Baseball Players

“…33 When the nerve injury is located at the spinoglenoid notch, surgical decompression involves the release of the spinoglenoid ligament, which is present in the majority of Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Baseball Players patients. 15,16 Additionally, some authors advocate deepening the spine of the scapula; 27,34 however, if the spine of the scapular is deepened more than 1 cm, the acromion is at risk of fracture. Surgical decompression, whether performed for a proximal or distal nerve injury, typically leads to resolution of patient's pain and a substantial increase in muscle strength; however, the return of muscle bulk is less predictable and requires many months to occur.…”

“…Surgical decompression, whether performed for a proximal or distal nerve injury, typically leads to resolution of patient's pain and a substantial increase in muscle strength; however, the return of muscle bulk is less predictable and requires many months to occur. 22,25,27,[33][34][35] Reports of arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve have been described recently, but these techniques remain new and investigational. 36,37 A different scenario exists when a ganglion cyst is compressing the suprascapular nerve; a shoulder arthroscopy should be performed to assess for a coexisting labral tear.…”