Review Question - QID 768

The suprascapular notch is proximal to the point where the suprascapular nerve innervates both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus, therefore compression would cause weakness of both.

Compression at the spinoglenoid notch will affect only the infraspinatus as the suprascapular nerve has already innervated the supraspinatus by this point. The teres minor and deltoid are both innervated by the axillary nerve. The axillary nerve passes through the quadrangular space and compression here could result in denervation of the posterior deltoid. Spinoglenoid notch cysts are classically seen in volleyball players and associated with SLAP tears.

Martin et al review the outcomes of 24 overhead athletes who underwent arthroscopic debridement of labral tears. Results were good to excellent in 21 of the 24 patients when there was no gross instability or Bankart lesion present.

Meister et al review the evaluation and treatment of the throwing athlete. Rotator cuff weakness, labral tears and paralabral cysts are discussed. Treatment is based on the pathoanatomy of the throwing shoulder, and most athletes will achieve successful rehabilitation with nonoperative care.

Illustration A demonstrates the anatomy of the suprascapular nerve and its sites of compression.