Suprascapular Neuropathy in Collegiate Baseball Player

BACKGROUND: Suprascapular neuropathy (SSN) is generally thought of as a diagnosis of exclusion. However, increasing attention is being paid to the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of this pathology to prevent chronic supraspinatus and infraspinatus atrophy in patients. To date, literature has only articulated variable or customized treatment and rehabilitation plans without clear standardized care. This case study provides a detailed description of the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of a collegiate baseball player's recovery from suprascapular nerve release. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20 year-old male baseball pitcher with right shoulder pain reported for athletic training evaluation, was treated conservatively, and due to lack of resolution was referred for further imaging and evaluation by an orthopedist. Following inconclusive magnetic resonance imaging findings the patient underwent electrodiagnostic testing which showed decreased nerve conduction velocity of the right suprascapular nerve. The patient elected for surgical intervention. Post-operative rehabilitation followed and the patient was able to pitch in 22 weeks. The patient provided positive subjective feedback and was able to return to unrestricted pitching without pain, loss of velocity, or loss in pitch control. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a need for further investigation into the most appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of suprascapular nerve injury.