Suprascapular nerve palsy

Isolated traumatic suprascapular nerve palsy without associated fracture is a rare occurrence. Localized segmental muscle atrophy limited to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles associated with weakness in initiating abduction and in external rotation of the shoulder should suggest the diagnosis. Electromyography will confirm the diagnosis by excluding nerve root and brachial plexus involvement with denervation potentials limited to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.