Isolated supraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration associated with recurrent anterior shoulder instability: A case report and review of the literature

Supraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration are two distinct muscle abnormalities which can be seen after a chronic massive tear or suprascapular neuropathy. Isolated supraspinatus muscle denervation due to suprascapular nerve injury after shoulder dislocation is extremely rare. We report on a patient who developed isolated supraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration after traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Possible explanations and etiologies of this rare condition are discussed in this report.