[Compression neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve in high performance volleyball players]

Individual observations during the course of the medical care of the German men's national volleyball team in international tournaments gave cause to investigate more thoroughly the increasing occurrence of an atrophy of the infraspinatus m. in volleyball players at international level. An examination of three men's national teams specially slanted to throw light on this problem revealed that 28% (10 out of 36 players) had an atrophy of the infraspinatus m. On the basis of these findings, a prospective study was carried out, with the object of clarifying to what extent a developing or manifest compression neuropathy of the suprascapularis n. was present in a defined population of high-level volleyball players (1st National League, men). 32 players were examined as to the extent to which a functional impairment of the suprascapularis n. occurred in the pursuit of the competitive sport of volleyball. The study revealed a functional impairment of the suprascapular n. in 45% of the both clinically and neurophysiologically examined sportsmen. It follows in consequence that a control examination is advisable in the case of a latent disorder, so as to detect any continuation or possible deterioration. In the event of a developing or manifest atrophy of the infraspinatus m. the operative relief of the suprascapular n. in the region of the scapular incisure may be considered in addition to conservative therapy.