Variations of Suprascapular Notch in Adult Egyptian Scapulae.

ABSTRACT

Background: The suprascapular notch (SSN) lies on the superior border of scapula, close to the root of coracoid process. The suprascapular nerve passes through the notch, below superior transverse scapular ligament. The objective of the present study was to determine variations in the size and shape of SSN in adult Egyptian scapulae to provide a better diagnosis and management of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Material and methods: A total of 85 dry adult unpaired scapulae of unknown age and sex were randomly selected. The shape of SSN was determined by direct inspection and the vertical and transverse diameters of the notch were measured in each specimen. The results were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: In the studied scapulae, the SSN was revealed in 89.41%, absent in 8.24% and replaced by a scapular foramen in 2.35% . Three morphological types of SSN were observed; U-shaped (60.53%), V-shaped (31.58 %) and J-shaped (7.89 %). The SSN had a longest transverse diameter (type II) in 55.26% and had a longest vertical diameter (type III) in 44.74%. The U-shaped variety was observed in 32.61% of type II and 67.39% of type III. All of J-shaped variety (100%) were exclusively observed in type II, whereas half (50%) of the V-shape variety were observed in type II and the other half (50%) in type III Conclusion: The diameters and morphological type of SSN documented in the present study might be easily identified on a plain radiograph that might be helpful in diagnosis of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Moreover, these anatomical data would improve the safety of arthroscopic nerve decompression.