Quantitative Ultrasonographic Analysis of Changes of the Suprascapular Nerve in the Aging Population With Shoulder Pain
Journal
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Journal Volume
9
Pages
640747
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Older people are vulnerable to painful shoulder syndromes, the majority of which are derived from degenerative rotator cuff pathologies. The suprascapular nerve (SSN) is closely related to the rotator cuff complex, and its role in shoulder pain has recently been highlighted. This study aimed to explore the differences in SSN among older people with and without shoulder pain, and to investigate the potential factors influencing the nerve size using ultrasound (US) imaging. METHODS: Participants aged ?60 years were enrolled in the study. A systematic and bilateral US examination of the rotator cuff tendons was performed. The SSN was examined from its origin in the brachial plexus to the spinoglenoid notch of the infraspinatus fossa. The association between the nerve's cross-sectional area (CSA) and rotator cuff lesions was analyzed using the generalized estimation equation. RESULTS: < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the older population, full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon are independently associated with enlargement of the distal SSN. In cases with large rotator cuff tendon tears with poor response to conservative treatments, possible SSN entrapment should be considered and managed accordingly.
SDGs
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Type
journal article