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Indian Journal of Anatomy

Volume  6, Issue 3, Jul-Sep 2017, Pages 381-385
 

Original Article

Morphological Study of Suprascapular Notch of Adult Scapula

Vinay G.

Associate Professor, Dept of Anatomy, MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala–679338, India.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ija.2320.0022.6317.24

Abstract

Background: One of the common etiology for shoulder pain is suprascapular nerve entrapment. The suprascapular notch is a depression present on the lateral part of superior border of scapula, which is bridged by superior transverse scapular ligament. It transmits the suprascapular nerve to supraspinatus fossa. Variations in the morphology of suprascapular notch are one of the causes for suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. It also forms an important landmark for suprascapular nerve in arthroscopic shoulder surgeries. The aim of the present study is to note the various shapes of suprascapular notch and its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten dry adult scapulae of both sides were examined for variations in shapes of suprascapular notch. We classified suprascapular notch in to six types based on study done be Rengacahry et al. Results: In the present study, out of 110 scapulae, we observed Type I (without discrete notch) in 12 scapulae. Type III was the commonest with fifty-seven scapulae. The incidence of Type VI (complete ossified notch) was seen in 10 scapulae. Conclusion: The knowledge of anatomical variations in the shapes of suprascapular notch will be helpful in understanding the etiology of suprascapular nerve entrapment. The determination of type of notch helps the clinicians in screening the high risk population in patients with shoulder pain. Anatomical knowledge of such variations should be kept in mind by a radiologist, Orthopaedicians and neurosurgeons as these variations may alter the technique of surgery.

 


Keywords : Suprascapular Notch; Morphology; Suprascapular Nerve; Entrapment 
Corresponding Author : Vinay G., Associate Professor, Dept of Anatomy, MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala–679338, India.