Suprascapular Nerve Release may be indicated to treat shoulder pain
There is an increasing body of evidence which supports release of the transverse scapular ligament, thereby unkinking the suprascapular nerve. It has been shown electromyographically that the supra and infraspinatus muscles may undergo denervation in the presence of chronic cuff tears with retraction. This may be the result of an altered "path", because of the retraction, with consequential nerve entrapment. Ligament release can normalize EMG's; the effect might bear comparison with the favorable impact of releasing the transverse carpal ligament for Carpal tunnel syndrome.
The indictions for this procedure are being refined---for now I prefer to see an abnormal nerve study. Further, in the office diagnostic novocaine injection can be administered.
If you would like to view a video regarding this procedure, which is performed arthroscopically, visit the shoulder page of this website, and under "popular topics" click on shoulder nerve palsy.
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