An Osteological Study Of Morphometric Variations Of Suprascapular Notch In South Gujarat Region

ABSTRACT

Background:The suprascapular notch is a depression in the lateral part of superior border of scapula. The suprascapular ligament bridges the notch. Thesuprascapular nerve passes below the ligament and corresponding artery above the ligament. Variation in size and shape of suprascapular notch is identified as one of the causes of suprascapular nerve entrapment.Aim Of StudyTo study morphological variations of suprascapular notch in dry scapulae of South Gujarat (Indian) population and compare data with studies in other ethnic populations. Materials And Methods:Total 200 dry human scapulae were obtained from Anatomy departments of three medical collegesof south Gujarat. Three dimensions were defined and measured for each suprascapular notch (SSN) using classical osteometry maximal depth (MD), superior transverse diameter (STD) and middle transverse diameter (MTD). Based on Micha? Polguj’s classification SSN was classified into five types. The results of the present study were compared with previous studies in different populations.Results:The proportion of Type III SSN is highest (46.5 %) followed by Type V (26 %), Type I (16 %), Type IV (6 %) and Type II (5.5 %). For Type III SSN, proportion of subtype III c is highest (36.5 %), followed by subtype III b (6 %) and subtype III a (4 %). For Type I SSN, proportion of subtype I c is highest (8.5 %), followed by subtype I a (4 %) and Subtype I b (3.5 %).Conclusion:The suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome, in most cases is due to morphological variations of suprascapular notch particularly complete ossification of suprascapular ligament. So the knowledge of such variations is essential for clinicians,to make a proper diagnosis of shoulder pain and to plan the most suitable surgical intervention.