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Question:
I have confirmed damage to my R suprascapular nerve from EMG and NCV. MRI did RO cyst at the notch. I have had this condition for over 2 years and am a R handed competitive tennis player. My orthopedist said nothing can be done. I have weakness to both supraspinatous Question submitted by: [email protected]yahoo.com

Dr. Hasan

Dr. Hasan is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, elbow, and general orthopaedic problems. Dr. Hasan has received the M.D. degree and a Ph.D. degree in biomedical engineering, both from Vanderbilt University. He completed residency training at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago followed by fellowship training at both the University of Washington and the Texas Orthopaedic Hospital in Houston. Dr. Hasan has published a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research efforts at national and international orthopaedic conferences. Dr. Hasan’s areas of interest include: arthroscopic and open surgery of the shoulder, elbow, and knee as well as joint replacement surgery. He currently practices at Cincinnati Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center.

Answer:
I did not get the entire question, but I think you are saying that there is an injury to your suprascapular nerve by EMG that affects both supraspinatus and infraspinatus. If that is the case then the location of the injury may be at the suprascapular notch. A cyst usually compresses the nerve at the spinoglenoid notch (in which case only the infraspinatus is usually affected). Compression of the nerve at the suprascapular notch is not usually due to a cyst, but rather to anatomic variations: the notch is too tight, the ligament that sits on top of the nerve is too thick or has ossified (converted to bone). Decompression of the nerve can be performed, and the results of this are good, but not great. You should see a shoulder specialist for this, if it is bothering you enough, and you should bring all the tests (including the MRI copies) for review. Ultimately, the decision to attempt a decompression will be based on your assessment of what risks you are willing to accept and how significantly this is affecting your life.