Title: A Morphological study of variations in the shape of suprascapular notch in dry human scapula
Authors: Dr S.Revathi, Dr Vino Victor Jesudas
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i3.28
Abstract
Introduction: The suprascapular notch is a regular feature of the superior border of the scapula, medial to the root of the coracoid process. This suprascapular notch is converted into a foramen by the attachment of the superior transverse scapular ligament to its edges. The suprascapular nerve passes through this foramen while the suprascapular vessels pass above the ligament. The suprascapular nerve could be compressed due to variations in the shape of the suprascapular notch. The aim of this study is to evaluate the variations in the shape of the suprascapular notch and to compare it with the findings of the previous studies.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 180 dry human scapulae of unknown age & sex obtained from the Institute of Anatomy, Madurai Medical College, Madurai. All the scapulae were examined macroscopically, first, for the presence or absence of the suprascapular notch and second, for the shape of the notch. The data were recorded and compared with the previous studies.
Observation: In this study we found that majority of the scapulae 94 (52.22%) had U-shaped suprascapular notch followed by 42 (23.33%) scapulae with J-shaped notch. V-shaped notch not found. In 16 (8.88%) scapulae no notch was present. In 24 (13.33%) scapulae, there was only a slight indentation at the site of the suprascapular notch. Complete ossification of the superior transverse scapular ligament was observed in 4 (2.22%) scapulae.
Conclusion: The knowledge of variations in shape of the suprascapular notch will be helpful for orthopaedicians and neurologists in suspecting suprascapular nerve entrapment due to these anatomical variations.
Keywords: Suprascapular notch (SSN), Superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL), Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome.
