The suprascapular notch dimensions & its correlation with scapular morphometry of human dry scapula in clinical relevance for nerve entrapment syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Morphological variations of the suprascapular notch are very important clinically for possible predisposing factors for compression of the suprascapular nerve in this region. Hence its correlation with basic anthropometric measurements of human scapula is important clinically. Materials and methods: 100 dry intact scapulae (48 right & 52 left) were examined for the study were taken from department of anatomy, Sapthagiri institute of medical science & research centre, Bangalore. Various parameters of suprascapular notch & of scapula were taken. Results: In the present study, suprascapular notch mean depth was lesser than mean superior transverse diameter of suprascapular notch, most frequent notch was type 3 & least was type 5. All the Parameters of scapula were in inverse correlation with that of scapular notch measurements except for corocoid thickness & glenoid index. There was a statistical significant correlation between depth of suprascapular notch with scapular width & between superior transverse diameter of notch with scapular width, acromion width & also with glenoid & scapular index. Conclusion: The present study aimed to establish a correlation between the shape of the Suprascapular notch and other parameters of scapulae. Knowing this anatomical variations in detail along the course of the suprascapular nerve is important for a better understanding of the location and the source of the entrapment syndrome & for making a proper diagnosis and planning the suitable surgical intervention during arthroscopic shoulder operations.