Infraspinatus atrophy due to Bennett lesion causing suprascapular nerve palsy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Repetitive overhead activities, common in sports like volleyball, can lead to shoulder injuries.
• Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome (SNES) is a potential cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in athletes.
• Infraspinatus muscle atrophy is a key clinical sign suggestive of SNES.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of SNES in a professional volleyball player.
• To investigate the radiological findings associated with SNES and Bennett lesion in this athlete.
• To describe the successful surgical and rehabilitative management of SNES in an athletic population.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and physical examination of a 19-year-old professional volleyball player with right shoulder pain.
• Diagnostic imaging including shoulder Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computed Tomography (CT) to assess muscle denervation and bony lesions.
• Arthroscopic surgical decompression of the suprascapular nerve followed by a structured rehabilitation program.

Main Results:

• Radiological evidence of subacute-chronic infraspinatus muscle denervation and a Bennett lesion were identified.
• Arthroscopic decompression was technically successful in relieving nerve entrapment.
• Post-operative rehabilitation led to gradual pain reduction, recovery of infraspinatus muscle trophism, and return to sports.

Conclusions:

• SNES, associated with a Bennett lesion, can occur in professional volleyball players due to chronic repetitive trauma.
• Arthroscopic decompression is an effective treatment for SNES in this patient population.
• A comprehensive rehabilitation program is crucial for successful recovery and return to high-level athletic activity.