
Shoulder Pain: To Think Beyond the Myo-osseous Elements: A Case Report
Correspondence Address :
Dr. MJ Abhinand,
Junior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Chengalpettu-603203, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: am2398@srmist.edu.in
Shoulder pain and weakness present a complex clinical landscape, often originating from common aetiologies such as rotator cuff tears, tendinitis and joint osteoarthritis. However, the significance of suprascapular nerve injury, particularly when associated with entrapment by ganglion cysts at specific notches, should not be ignored. This is exemplified by the case of a 22-year-old semi-skilled labourer who presented with right shoulder pain for two years, which began after trauma. He experienced muscle weakness and joint line tenderness and was diagnosed with a ganglion cyst in the spinoglenoid notch, causing suprascapular neuropathy. He subsequently underwent open decompression. This case emphasises the need to consider uncommon causes in shoulder diagnostics. Diagnostic tools such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) play crucial roles in identifying and evaluating suprascapular nerve dysfunction. While conservative management involving rest, physiotherapy and Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is often the initial approach, surgical interventions, including percutaneous aspiration, open excision, or arthroscopic decompression, may be warranted in cases of non responsivenes or the presence of space-occupying lesions. This positive postoperative outcome underscores the effectiveness of timely surgical intervention when conservative measures prove insufficient. The case contributes valuable insights into the understanding and management of suprascapular nerve injuries, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive approach for optimal patient outcomes.
Ganglion cyst, Open decompression, Shoulder pain, Spinoglenoid cyst, Suprascapular neuropathy
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2025/77072.21083
Date of Submission: Nov 30, 2024
Date of Peer Review: Mar 08, 2025
Date of Acceptance: May 02, 2025
Date of Publishing: Jun 01, 2025
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? Yes
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. Yes
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ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
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