Three Cases of Work-Related Suprascapular Entrapment Neuropathy / 대한산업의학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve is frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain. METHODS: Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy is a well-defined clinical entity and EMG and NCV is used to confirm a diagnosis. But the diagnosis is typically not considered until patients develop severe weakness secondary to atrophy of the spinous musculature that the nerve supplies. RESULTS: A narrow suprascapular notch has rarely been reported as a work-related factor of this entrapment neuropathy. Diagnosis of suprascapular entrapment neuropathy is based on the patients' clinical course, neurologic, radiologic, and electrophysiologic findings. One of the most helpful evaluations was the anteriorposterior projection with the X-ray tube angled 15-30 degree caudally. The suprascapular entrapment neuropathy is relatively uncommon entity of shoulder discomfort (pain, weakness, and atrophy). CONCLUSIONS: If the worker who used his shoulder joint repetitiously having the shoulder pain and muscle weakness, we must rule out the suprascapular entrapment neuropathy. And it is needed to evaluate the motions which cause suprascapular entrapment neuropathy as the ergonomic factor.