Prevalence of latent and manifest suprascapular neuropathy in high-performance volleyball players

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of latent and manifest suprascapular neuro-pathy in high-level male volleyball players. Thirty subjects were examined clinically and electrophysiologic-ally. Suprascapular neuropathy, most probably at the level of the suprascapular notch, was demonstrated in 12 subjects, being latent in eight. Taking into account our clinical findings in a further 36 international-level players, a remarkably high overall prevalence of suprascapular nerve lesion of 33 % (22 of 66 subjects) was found. All cases involved the side of the body with the player's smashing arm. These findings suggest that careful monitoring of suprascapular nerve function may be useful in high-performance volleyball players, as early diagnosis is essential to prevent more severe damage