Suprascapular Neuropathy After Distal Clavicle Resection and Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction: A Resident's Case Problem

Study Design Resident's case problem. Background Acromioclavicular joint pathology is reported to be present in up to 30% of all patients complaining of shoulder dysfunction. The operative approach to treating acromioclavicular joint disease often includes a distal clavicle excision and, in circumstances of acromioclavicular joint instability, reconstruction of the coracoclavicular and/or the acromioclavicular ligament. Surgical complications for these procedures are rare, but potentially include suprascapular neuropathy secondary to the course of the suprascapular nerve posterior to the clavicle prior to entering the supraspinatus fossa. Diagnosis A 28-year-old Caucasian woman reported directly to an outpatient physical therapy clinic with a complaint of right shoulder weakness. Three years prior, the patient underwent a distal clavicle excision and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. A detailed examination, including diagnostic imaging, identified infraspinatus atrophy and weakness, increasing the...