Suprascapular neuropathy in volleyball players

Background-Suprascapular nerve entrapment with isolated paralysis of the in fraspinatus muscle is uncommon. However, this pathology has been reported i n volleyball players. Despite a lack of scientific evidence, excessive stra in on the nerve is often cited as a possible cause of this syndrome. Previo us research has shown a close association between shoulder range of motion and strain on the suprascapular nerve. No clinical studies have so far been designed to examine the association between excessive shoulder mobility an d the presence of this pathology. Aim-To study the possible association between the range of motion of the sh oulder joint and the presence of suprascapular neuropathy by clinically exa mining the Belgian male volleyball team with respect to several parameters. Methods-An electromyographic investigation, a clinical shoulder examination , shoulder range of motion measurements, and an isokinetic concentric peak torque shoulder internal/external rotation strength test were performed in 16 professional players. Results-The electrodiagnostic study showed a severe suprascapular neuropath y in four players which affected only the infraspinatus muscle. In each of these four players, suprascapular nerve entrapment was present on the domin ant side. Except for the hypotrophy of the infraspinatus muscle, no signifi cant differences between the affected and non-affected players were observe d on clinical examination. Significant differences between the affected and non-affected players were found for range of motion measurements of extern al rotation, horizontal flexion and forward flexion, and for flexion of the shoulder girdle (protraction); all were found to be higher in the affected players than the non-affected players. Conclusions-This study suggests an association between increased range of m otion of the shoulder joint and the presence of isolated paralysis of the i nfraspinatus muscle in volleyball players. However, the small number of pat ients in this study prevents definite conclusions from being drawn.