Arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon with single-stage decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the superscapular notch

Abstract

The history of shoulder problems dates back to ancient times, and the shoulder joint plays a significant role in various aspects of human life. Throughout history, doctors have been providing assistance to individuals experiencing shoulder pain. In the 20th century, significant advancements were made in shoulder surgery, driven by an improved understanding of joint biomechanics and the recognition of new diagnostic methods. Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique, was first used for diagnosing shoulder conditions only about 30 years ago. Since then, it has replaced many open surgical procedures due to its enhanced visualization capabilities and lower invasiveness, leading to reduced injury rates. Suprascapular nerve decompression at the suprascapular notch is an example of a procedure that has benefited from arthroscopy. Dr. Laurent Lafosse's detailed description of arthroscopic manipulation in 2007 has been crucial in advancing this technique.This article aims to shed light on the pathogenesis of suprascapular nerve compression at the suprascapular notch following supraspinatus tendon retraction and examine the potential complications of suprascapular neuropathy. The principal author of this article has successfully performed 20 supraspinatus tendon repair operations with simultaneous decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch, achieving positive outcomes in the postoperative period.