Morphology and morphometric analysis of suprascapular notch

The morphology of the suprascapular notch (SSN) has been associated with suprascapular entrapment neuropathy, and injury to the suprascapular nerve in arthroscopic shoulder procedures. This study aimed to describe the morphology and morphometry of the suprascapular notch in dry scapulae. The present study was done in 314 dry scapulae obtained from B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad. In the present study the suprascapular notch is classified on the basis of two classifications. According to one classification, SSN was classified into five types, type I without a discrete notch; type II a notch that was longest in transverse diameter; type III a notch that was longest in vertical diameter; type IV a bony foramen; type V a notch and a bony foramen. Based on gross appearance, SSN was classified as ‘U’ shaped, ‘V’ shaped, ‘J’ shaped, absent notch and indentation instead of a notch. The complete and partial ossification of the superior transverse scapular ligament was also noted. According to first classification following observations were made in the present study: type I-29%; type II-52%; type III-16%; type IV-2%; type V-1%. According to another classification, following observations were made: ‘U’ shaped notch 38%, ‘V’ shaped notch 7%, ‘J’ shaped notch 22%, absent notch 18%, and indentation instead of a notch 12%. The complete ossification was seen in 3% and partial ossification of the superior transverse scapular ligament in 2% of cases. This anatomic information is important in the management of entrapment neuropathy or interventional procedure of the SSN.

Morphology, Morphometry, Suprascapular notch