Unusual morphology of scapulae: incidence and dimensions of ossified ligaments and supraspinous bony tunnels for clinical consideration

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Knowledge of morphological variations of the suprascapular region is important in the management of entrapment neuropathy and interventional procedures. The objective of this study was to collect data on the morphological features and dimensions of ossified ligaments and unusual bony tunnels of scapulae from a North Indian population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 268 adult human scapulae of unknown gender were obtained from the bone bank of the Department of Anatomy, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The scapulae were evaluated for the incidence of ossified superior transverse scapular ligaments (STSLs), ossified inferior transverse scapular ligaments (ITSLs) and bony tunnels (i.e. the bony canal between the suprascapular notch and spinoglenoid notch), found along the course of the suprascapular nerve (SSN). The dimensions of these structures were measured and noted down. Ossified STSLs were classified based on their shape (i.e. fan- or band-shaped) and the dimensions of the ossified suprascapular openings (SSOs) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ossified STSLs were present in 26 (9.7%) scapulae. Among the 26 scapulae, 16 (61.5%) were fan-shaped (mean area of SSO 16.6 mm(2)) and 10 (38.5%) were band-shaped (mean area of SSO 34.2 mm(2)). Bony tunnels were observed in 2 (0.75%) specimens, while an ossified ITSL was observed in 1 (0.37%) specimen.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The data obtained in the present study augments the reference literature for SSN decompression and the existing anatomical databases, especially those on Indian populations. This data is useful to clinicians, radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons.</p>

Anatomical study of the suprascapular notch: quantitative analysis and clinical considerations for suprascapular nerve entrapment

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Detailed anatomical knowledge of the suprascapular notch (SSN) is important for the management of entrapment neuropathy and interventional procedures. The objective of the present study was to collect data on the morphological features and anatomical variations of the SSN in an Indian population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We studied 268 human scapulae of unknown sex (126 right-sided, 142 left-sided) taken from the Department of Anatomy, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, India. SSNs were classified as either type I, II, III, IV or V, based on the shape of the inferior border of the incisura, and comparison of the SSN's vertical and transverse diameters. The shape of the SSN (i.e V- or U-shaped), if present, was also recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Type II SSN was the most common (50.00%), followed by type I, type IV and type III (32.46%, 9.70% and 7.84%, respectively). For right-sided type II SSNs, the transverse and vertical diameters were 9.1 ± 3.2 mm and 5.2 ± 1.9 mm, respectively, while those for left-sided type ll SSNs were 9.2 ± 2.4 mm and 5.1 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. Generally, the transverse diameter of type II SSN was found to be greater than that of type III SSN. The incidence of U-shaped SSN was 51.49%, while that of V-shaped SSN was 2.99%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study of the morphometrical characteristics and anatomical variations of SSN provides an anatomical database of SSN in the Indian context. This database will be of use in surgical procedures, as the information can be used to ensure adequate access to and complete decompression of the suprascapular nerve.</p>