Morphometric Study Of Suprascapular Notch In Dry Scapulae Bones

ABSTRACT

Background: Suprascapular nerve most commonly compressed at the level of suprascapular notch (SSN) andspinoglenoid notch. Variation in morphological features of SSN and spinoglenoid notch plays a crucial role insuprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome.Objective: Present study was conducted to find out the variation in morphology and dimension of SSN and todetermine posterior safe zone for shoulder joint procedures from posterior approach.Materials and Methods: In the present study 83 dry scapulae of south Karnataka region were studied andclassified the SSN based on various shapes according to Iqbal et al and measurements according to Natis et al,along with this, the mean distance from SSN to supraglenoid tubercle and mean distance between posterior rimof glenoid cavity and medial wall of spinoglenoid notch at the base of scapular spine were also measured .Result: Based on Iqbal et al classification ‘U’ shaped notch found to be more common (43.37%) and ‘V’ shapednotch and indentation found to be least common(3.6%). Complete ossification were observed in 3 scapulaebone(3.6%). Based on Natsis classification most common was found to be type –II (TD>VL) (84%) and type VI andIV were not observed. Mean distance between SSN and supraglenoid tubercle was 31.08 mm and mean distancebetween posterior rim of glenoid cavity and medial wall of spinoglenoid notch at base of scapular spine was14.26mm.Conclusion: Since variation in morphologoy of suprascapular notch and ossification of superior transversesuprascapular ligament(STSL) can be a factor for suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome and safe zone fordifferent population varies. Hence knowing variations in shape and size of SSN, safe zone for different populationis helpful. So this study may be useful for clinicians for better diagnosis and management. Still more populationspecific studies are required related to the morphology of suprascapular notch.