We retrospectively reviewed the results of non-operative treatment of suprascapular neuropathy in 15 patients seen between November 1983 and February 1991. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed with electrodiagnostic studies. The treatment consisted of a program of physical therapy to improve the range of motion of the shoulder and to strengthen the surrounding muscles. The average duration of follow-up was 3 years and 11 months (range, one year to 8 years and 10 months). The latest evaluation included electrodiagnostic studies of the affected extremity and dynamic isokinetic testing of both upper extremities. The result was excellent for 5 patients and good for 7. The 3 remaining patients had operative treatment because of persistent symptoms; one of these patients had an excellent result, one had a good result, and one had a poor result. The results suggest that, in the absence of a well defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
We retrospectively reviewed the results of non-operative treatment of suprascapular neuropathy in 15 patients seen between November 1983 and February 1991. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed with electrodiagnostic studies. The treatment consisted of a program of physical therapy to improve the range of motion of the shoulder and to strengthen the surrounding muscles. The average duration of follow-up was 3 years and 11 months (range, one year to 8 years and 10 months). The latest evaluation included electrodiagnostic studies of the affected extremity and dynamic isokinetic testing of both upper extremities. The result was excellent for 5 patients and good for 7. The 3 remaining patients had operative treatment because of persistent symptoms; one of these patients had an excellent result, one had a good result, and one had a poor result. The results suggest that, in the absence of a well defined lesion producing mechanical compression of the suprascapular nerve, suprascapular neuropathy should be treated non-operatively.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.