Schwannoma of the suprascapular nerve presenting with atypical neuralgia: case report and review of the literature

Compressive lesions of the suprascapular nerve produce weakness and atrophy of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles and a poorly defined aching pain along the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint and the adjacent scapula. Entrapment neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve is fairly common whereas tumorous lesions are rare; among the latter ganglion cysts are frequently seen. An isolated solitary schwannoma of the suprascapular nerve presenting with atypical neuralgic pain is exceptional. The location of a schwannoma under the firm deep cervical fascia in the posterior triangle of the neck is implicated in the genesis of neuralgic pains mimicking the suprascapular entrapment syndrome, One such case is reported with discussion of the relevant clinical features. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.