PREVALENCE OF LATENT AND MANIFEST SUPRASCAPULAR NEUROPATHY IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of latent and manifest suprascapular neuropathy in high-level male volleyball pl ayers. Thirty subjects were examined clinically and electrophysiologic ally. Suprascapular neuropathy, most probably at the level of the supr ascapular notch, was demonstrated in 12 subjects, being latent in eigh t. Taking into account our clinical findings in a further 36 internati onal-level players, a remarkably high overall prevalence of suprascapu lar nerve lesion of 33% (22 of 66 subjects) was found. All cases invol ved the side of the body with the player's smashing arm. These finding s suggest that careful monitoring of suprascapular nerve function may be useful in high-performance volleyball players, as early diagnosis i s essential to prevent more severe damage.