Editorial Commentary: Suprascapular Nerve Decompression Can Be Effective, But Should You Have the Nerve to Do It?

Abstract

Isolated suprascapular neuropathy that requires surgical decompression is rare. Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression is an effective treatment for correctly indicated patients, but identifying which patients would benefit from decompression is challenging. While good outcomes and low complication rates after arthroscopic suprascapular nerve decompression have been reported by expert surgeons, this procedure has potential for neurovascular injury in inexperienced hands. Given the rarity of the condition, the difficulty with accurate diagnosis, and the potential risks from surgical intervention, we believe that these patients are best treated in a tertiary referral practice.