Suprascapular nerve release in addition to arthroscopiс rotator cuff repair: a comprehensive literature review

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Abstract

The treatment of rotator cuff tendon injuries is a key issue in modern arthroscopy. Tendon injuries affect the function of the shoulder joint and the patient's quality of life. Arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair has been used to improve outcomes, but long-standing tendon tears complicate the repair process due to the risk of failure. Suprascapular nerve decompression is becoming an increasingly common procedure in addition to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, its efficacy requires further investigation. The aim of this review is to systematically analyse the existing evidence on suprascapular nerve decompression in combination with arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries to determine the efficacy and safety of this procedure. The review includes sections on 'Anatomy and function of the suprapatellar nerve', 'Mechanism of compression', 'Postoperative pain control' and 'Arthroscopic decompression with rotator cuff suture'. Based on the literature review, it can be concluded that decompression of the suprapatellar nerve may be an effective method to improve the results of arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries, but further studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

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About the authors

Konstantin S. Ivanov

Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics

Email: IvanovKS@cito-priorov.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-1507-0606
SPIN-code: 2384-9328

MD

Russian Federation, 10 Priorova str., 127299 Moscow

Iaroslav A. Ivanov

Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics

Author for correspondence.
Email: docyaroslav@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6352-2784
SPIN-code: 5575-4630

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, 10 Priorova str., 127299 Moscow

Dmitry S. Mininkov

Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics

Email: 45040311@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9490-6932
SPIN-code: 1494-3179

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, 10 Priorova str., 127299 Moscow

Alexander G. Yeltsin

Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics

Email: agyeltsin@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7736-9493
SPIN-code: 6411-2484

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, 10 Priorova str., 127299 Moscow

Anatoly К. Orletskii

Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics

Email: nova495@mail.ru

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), professor

Russian Federation, 10 Priorova str., 127299 Moscow

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2. Fig. 1. Stages of arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release: a — visualisation of the suprascapular nerve, b — ligament excision process, c — nerve release, d — visualisation of suprascapular nerve branches (marked with asterisks). The image was taken from the article L. Lafosse et al. ‘Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release: indications and technique’ [4].

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