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Shoulder pain due to suprascapular nerve compression during general anesthesia
J J Biundo1, M K Rosenbloom, C E Fontenot
1Sections of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and of Comprehensive Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans.
Summary
Suprascapular nerve entrapment, a rare shoulder injury, can occur after bilateral hernia repair, an undocumented cause. This case highlights the need to consider unusual mechanisms when diagnosing and treating this neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Suprascapular nerve entrapment is an uncommon shoulder condition.
- It results from various shoulder injuries and mechanisms.
- Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging due to its under-recognized nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a unique case of suprascapular nerve entrapment following bilateral hernia repair.
- To discuss the diagnostic and treatment strategies for suprascapular nerve compression.
- To review the known mechanisms of suprascapular nerve injury.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Literature review of suprascapular nerve entrapment.
- Analysis of diagnostic and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- A patient developed neuropathy after bilateral hernia repair, an undocumented association.
- This presentation deviates from commonly proposed injury mechanisms.
- The review covers various causes, diagnostic methods, and treatments for this condition.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral hernia repair represents a novel potential cause of suprascapular nerve entrapment.
- Clinicians should consider atypical mechanisms in diagnosing shoulder neuropathy.
- Further research may elucidate the pathophysiology of this association.
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