Suprascapular Notch Variations in Dry Human Scapulae: Implications for Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Background:

• The suprascapular notch (SSN) is a key anatomical landmark on the scapula, transmitting the suprascapular nerve.
• Morphological variations of the SSN, especially ossification of the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL), can cause suprascapular nerve entrapment.
• Knowledge of SSN variations is vital for accurate diagnosis and surgical procedures in the shoulder region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphological variations of the suprascapular notch in dry adult human scapulae.
• To classify SSN types using the modified Rengachary classification and determine their frequency distribution.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study analyzed 70 dry adult human scapulae.
• Scapulae with damaged superior borders were excluded.
• Each SSN was classified into Types I-VI based on the modified Rengachary system, with statistical analysis performed using SPSS.

Main Results:

• Type III SSN was the most prevalent, found in 57.10% of specimens.
• Other observed types included Type VI (15.71%), Type I (14.28%), Type II (7.14%), and Type IV (5.71%).
• Type V SSN was absent (0%), and the distribution of SSN types was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Type III suprascapular notch represents the predominant morphological pattern in the studied population.
• Anatomical variations, including SSN narrowing or STSL ossification, are potential causes of suprascapular nerve entrapment.
• Awareness of these SSN variations is clinically significant for orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and clinicians managing shoulder pathologies.