Familial Calcification of the Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament Causing Neuropathy

Abstract

Two patients, members of the same family, were found to have entrapment of the suprascapular nerve from a calcified superior transverse scapular ligament. The chief complaint in both cases was pain and weakness and atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The nerve entrapment was confirmed by electromyographic studies and required surgical decompression to relieve the symptoms in both patients. Release of the entrapped nerve resulted in complete pain relief and full return of strength at 1-year followup.