Introduction

Ultrasound examination of the suprascapular nerve is particularly important in PMR in patients with posterior shoulder pain, weakness of shoulder abduction or external rotation, suspected denervation of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles, or symptoms related to overhead activity and traction injuries. It allows direct visualization of the nerve in relation to the suprascapular notch, the suprascapular artery, the superior transverse scapular ligament, and the spinoglenoid notch.

Ultrasound can help detect nerve swelling, focal entrapment, loss of fascicular pattern, or secondary muscle changes, and may help differentiate suprascapular neuropathy from cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexus involvement, or rotator cuff pathology. A major advantage is the possibility of side-to-side comparison and targeted assessment of the nerve in anatomically vulnerable regions, especially around the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch.