Injury of the suprascapular nerve

This is a rare injury that can occur secondary to:

– scapula fracture

– penetrating trauma at the base of the neck

– impingement secondary to repetitive movements as seen in weight lifters, painters, boxers or in patients with rotator cuff tears

Signs:

– decreased shoulder abduction (supraspinatus) and / or external rotation (infraspinatus)

– long term – wasting of the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles