Nerve Release

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Nerve Release: Suprascapular Nerve Release

Suprascapular nerve entrapment is an underdiagnosed cause of chronic shoulder pain and weakness, particularly in overhead athletes or post-labral tear patients. Compression most commonly occurs at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch. Patients may present with vague posterior shoulder pain, weakness in abduction or external rotation, and atrophy of supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles. Diagnosis is confirmed with EMG and MRI. Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release involves decompression at the affected notch by freeing the transverse scapular ligament. Early surgical release can reverse symptoms and prevent irreversible muscle wasting. Post-op rehab focuses on restoring strength and range of motion.