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Shoulder pain is a general complaint, which is often encountered in general and orthopedic practice. Well known causes of shoulder pain include subacromial impingement, rotator cuff lesions, instability and osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. A less frequently diagnosed cause of shoulder pain is suprascapular neuropathy.

A 30 year old man presented at the outpatient clinics with slowly developing pain of his right left shoulder which had worsened after a game of soccer. There was progressive loss of force as well. During physical examination, there was an apparent atrophy of the supra – and infraspinatus region. Impingement and apprehension test were non conclusive. An MRI showed a spinoglenoid cyst and a labral tear. emg confirmed the diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy as a result of compression by the cyst. The labral tear was repaired and the cyst removed arthroscopically. Postoperatively the pain had resolved, but atrophy remained for a substantial period.

Approximately 1 – 2 % of all shoulder complaints is caused by suprascapular neuropathy. Suprascapular neuropathy is characterized by severe pain in the shoulder. Physical examination usually shows atrophy of the supra – and infraspinatus region, indicative of a long period of neuropathy. Atrophy can result in loss of force. Diagnosis is confirmed by means of emg. However, MRI has to take place to exclude tumerous processes, which can compromise the suprascapular nerve. After exclusion of other causes, physical therapy should be instituted to regain force and function of the affected shoulder.