Der Karpaltunnel der Schulter / The Carpal Tunnel of the Shoulder: Die arthroskopische Dekompression des N. suprascapularis

Abstract

Pain in the posterior area of the shoulder can be caused by pathologies of the suprascapular nerve. Pain may be due to neural entrapment while the nerve is passing through the suprascapular notch. A tear of the rotator cuff may cause traction, resulting in shoulder pain. This might be one of the reasons for persisting pain after successful rotator cuff repair. Neurological and clinical examinations are the most important elements of diagnosis while ultrasound or fluoroscopic diagnostic infiltration remains the current gold standard. Arthroscopic decompression in the area of the suprascapular notch is a safe and reliable procedure of releasing the nerve from entrapment. Various studies show an improvement of muscular function and pain relief after this procedure.