A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF SUPRASCAPULAR NOTCH IN HUMAN DRY SCAPULAE IN POPULATION OF RAJASTHAN

Abstract

The suprascapular notch is a notch in the superior border of the scapula, just medial to the base 
of the coracoid process. This notch is changed into a foramen by the superior transverse scapular 
ligament, and delivers for the passage of the suprascapular nerve. The shape of the suprascapular 
notch is one of the important predisposing factor for the suprascapular nerve entrapment .So, the 
knowledge about different shapes of suprascapular notch is important for clinicians in 
understanding the source of the entrapment syndrome. The present study was done by observing 
112 human dried scapulae. The aim of this study is to document the incidence of morphological 
variations in shape of suprascapular notch in dry scapulae in the population of Rajasthan. 
Methods: A total of 112 dry scapulae of both sides are analyzed to see the variation in the shape 
of suprascapular notch on superior border of scapula.  
Results: In this study we mentioned five kinds of shapes of suprascapular notches. In the present 
study of 112 dried scapulae , we found that 42 (37.5%) scapulae with U shaped suprascapular 
notch, 21 (18.75%) J shaped suprascapular notch, 33 (29.4%) V shaped suprascapular notch, 
there were 7 (6%) scapulae with indentation at the place of suprascapular notch while 3 (2.6%) 
scapulae showed absence of notch. We found 6 (5.3%) scapulae with ossification of superior 
transverse scapular ligament thus converting suprascapular notch into foramen.  
Conclusion: The knowledge about the different shapes of suprascapular notch and its 
involvement in suprascapular nerve entrapment neuropathy helps the clinicians in early 
diagnosis and planning about the most suitable surgical intervention.