Suprascapular nerve entrapment in young kayaker: a case report

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Neurology

Background:

• Kayaking is a popular sport with a high incidence of shoulder injuries.
• Shoulder pain in kayakers is often attributed to overuse or acute trauma.
• Limited research exists on specific shoulder injuries in the kayaking population.

Observation:

• A young male recreational whitewater kayaker presented with shoulder pain and inability to kayak.
• Initial diagnosis was subacromial impingement, treated unsuccessfully with conservative measures for 5 months.
• Physical examination, MRI, and electrodiagnostic studies confirmed severe suprascapular nerve entrapment.

Findings:

• Suprascapular nerve entrapment is a rare cause of shoulder pain in kayakers.
• Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression successfully resolved symptoms.
• The patient returned to kayaking without pain after surgical treatment.

Implications:

• Suprascapular nerve entrapment should be considered in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain in kayakers.
• Proper physical examination, including assessment of the posterior shoulder, is crucial for diagnosis.
• Surgical decompression offers a viable treatment option for recalcitrant cases, enabling return to sport.