As infraspinatus muscle atrophy in ball players is induced by suprascapular neuropathy or muscular damage, treatment has to be performed according to the pathogenesis. Definite diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy comprises an electrophysiological verification of the neurogenic pattern and the delay of distal latency of the M-wave.
The lesion of the suprascapular ne r ve in ball players is supposed to be the spinoglenoid notch rather than the scapular notch. Decompression at the spinoglenoid notch is composed of carving the lateral edge of the base of the scapular spine by airtome. In addition, extirpation of the ganglion often seen at the spinoglenoid notch is carried out if necessary.
There is also, however, muscular damage combine d with or without suprascapular neuropathy. The tear of the insertion shoud be sutured.
On the other hand, there is no useful treatment in the case of degeneration of the muscle belly resulting from excessive eccentric contraction. A preventive scheme such as isometric muscle training should be emphasized before changing the muscle fibers, irreversibly.
Joint laxity or the tear of a neighboring muscle is secondary to i n fraspinatus muscle atrophy and should be also repaired to avoid serious dysfunction.
