J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  1999 Jun;23(3):660-663.

Cystic Entrapment of Infraspinatus Branch of Suprascapular Nerve Confirmed by Ultrasonography: Case report

• Kang KJ
• Lee SG
• Jung JC
• Seon KJ

Abstract

Cystic entrapment of infraspinatus branch of suprascapular nerve is a rare cause of shoulder pain with infraspinatus atrophy. We discuss the ultrasonographic diagnosis and ultrasonography- guided aspiration of the cyst as a treatment. Case: A 37-year-old, ship-yard laborer had experienced left shoulder discomfort and pain without trauma history. Physical examination showed profound selective atrophy of left infraspinatus muscle. Simple X-ray of shoulder showed normal findings. Electrodiagnostic examination revealed delayed motor latency of infraspinatus branch of suprascapular nerve and denervation potentials of infraspinatus muscle exclusively. Ultrasonographic finding showed 13.5X21.5 mm sized cystic mass around left infraspinatus notch. Ultrasonography-guided aspiration was done, and then electrical stimulation therapy and strengthening exercise of left shoulder were performed. Symptoms were improved. We report a rare case of cystic entrapment of infraspinatus branch of suprascapular nerve in a patient without traumatic insult.

Keyword

Infraspinatus branch of suprascapular nerve; Cystic entrapment; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Adult
Atrophy
Denervation
Diagnosis
Electric Stimulation Therapy
Humans
Physical Examination
Shoulder
Shoulder Pain
Ultrasonography*