RESUMO
Atrophy of infraspinatus muscle caused by suprascapular nerve entrapment is a typical disease of overhead sports such as volleyball, baseball and javelin. The chronic distress of suprascapular nerve infraspinatus branch may derive from nerve kinking and friction caused by an entrapment at the spino-glenoid notch, often repeated during external-rotation and abduction of shoulder. From 1999 to 2000 4 athletes, out of 143 professional baseball players, were found suffering from this disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by MNR and EMG, while a isokinetic test quantified a loss of strength in external-rotation and allowed a standard parameter for the treatment result evaluation. The 4 athletes were submitted to a non-invasive rehabilitation protocol, thanks to electrostimulation and isokinetic exercises, aiming at strengthening the extrarotator muscles and restoring a suited musclar balance. A subjective improvement was verified and confirmed by isokinetic test in all the players; moreover no surgery was needed.