[Surgical treatment of suprascapular nerve compression syndrome through posterior approach].

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the optimal approach to treat suprascapular nerve compression syndrome.

METHODS

From January 2000 to June 2003, 8 cases of suprascapular nerve compression syndrome were treated by surgical intervention to cut the transverse scapular ligament through posterior approach. Of the 8 patients, there were 2 males and 6 females (age ranged from 21 to 53) with duration of 6 months to 3 years. The change of symptom, muscle power, and muscle atrophy after operation were observed.

RESULTS

One week after operation, pain around the scapular disappeared, muscle power of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles recovered to normal. One, 6, 12 and 16 months after the operation, the patients were followed up. No recurrence was observed. Muscle atrophy didn't recover.

CONCLUSION

To treat suprascapular nerve compression syndrome with operation through posterior approach is easy to operate. When the suprascapular nerve is entrapped in scapular notch, this approach is a good choice.