An anatomic study of the effects on the suprascapular nerve due to retraction of the supraspinatus muscle after a rotator cuff tear

Development of Fatty Atrophy After Neurologic and Rotator Cuff Injuries in an Animal Model of Rotator Cuff Pathology

“…Neuronal injury in rotator cuff tears has been suggested, yet little validation has been offered 30 . Cadaver studies have shown a significant increase in tension of the suprascapular nerve at the notch with associated tendon retraction 30 .…”

Arthroscopic Treatment of Suprascapular Nerve Neuropathy

“…Albritton et al also proved in their study that suprascapular nerve injury may result from a retraction of a torn rotator cuff. They proved that retraction of Supraspinatus changed the course of suprascapular nerve as it passed through the notch (Albritton, Graham et al 2003). We also assess the ligament as needed and if the ligament is found to be ossified or under tension, we go ahead and release the ligament.…”

“…A retracted massive rotator cuff tear predisposes the nerve to traction injury at the suprascapular notch. According to Albritton et al, as the rotator muscles retract, the angle between the suprascapular nerve and its first motor branch reduces, which leads to increased tension in the nerve (Albritton, Graham et al 2003). Some studies have found correlation between presence of SSN neuropathy and massive retracted rotator cuff tear (Mallon, Wilson et al 2006).…”

Suprascapular neuropathy related to rotator cuff tears: A short review

“…Moreover, measures to relieve pain after failed cuff repair have been explained in the context of SSN decompression 9,10,28 . Retracted rotator cuff tears medialise muscle fibres and tether the SSN, which is relatively fixed at the point where it passes through the suprascapular notch.…”