Anat Cell Biol.  2023 Dec;56(4):482-493. 10.5115/acb.23.167.

Morphological types and morphometrical measurements of the suprascapular notch in both dry bones and human cadavers: anatomical study to improve the outcomes of the diagnostic and interventional procedures in the shoulder region

• Nasr AY

• KMID: 2548904
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.23.167

Abstract

Understanding the anatomy of suprascapular area helps the clinicians and surgeons in management of any disability at the shoulder region. This work aimed to clear the different morphological and morphometrical types of suprascapular notch (SSN). Unknown 120 dry human scapulae of both sides and 60 formalin-embalmed cadaveric upper limbs (40 males and 20 females) were used in the present study. Three main morphological forms of SSN were reported: J, U, and V-shaped. J-shaped notch showed the highest incidence followed by U-shaped then V-shaped one. Morphometrically, type (III) notch was the most prevalent in both dry bones and cadavers, while the incidence of type (II) was the lowest form. Also, the measurements of superior transverse diameter, middle transverse diameter and vertical dimension of the different types of the notch showed no side or sex significant difference. The suprascapular foramen with ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) was seen in 5.8% of dry bones and 10% of cadaveric specimens. Fan and band-shaped ossified transverse scapular ligaments were reported. Absence of SSN was seen in 10.8% of dry bones, 7.5% of male and 10% of female specimens with left side predominance. V-shaped, absence, and ossified STSL were considered as predisposing factors of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Knowledge of the morphology and morphometric parameters of SSN is of great clinical significance for anatomists, radiologists, physiotherapists, orthopedics and neurosurgeons to perform good diagnosis and best planning for surgical or arthroscopic interventions within the shoulder region.

Keyword

Scapular; Notch; Cadaver; Morphology; Morphometry

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Morphological types of the SSN based on Polguj’s classification. (A) Discrete type, (B) J-shaped type, (C) U-shaped type, (D) V-shaped type, (E) partial ossified STSL, (F) foramen with complete ossified fan-shaped STSL, (G) foramen with complete ossified fan-shaped STSL, (H) foramen with complete ossified band-shaped STSL. SSN, suprascapular notch; STSL, superior transverse scapular ligament.

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  Fig. 2 Measurement of the different dimensions of SSN and STSL. (A) Measuring the STD of the notch. (B) Different parameters of the SSN including STD (A), MTD (B) and MD (C), (C) measuring the length of the ossified STSL that representing the STD. SSN, suprascapular notch; STSL, superior transverse scapular ligament; STD, superior transverse diameter; MTD, middle transverse diameter; MD, maximum vertical diameter; Line A, the STD of the notch; Line B, the MD of the notch; Line C, the MTD.

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  Fig. 3 Morphometric types of the SSN based on Polguj’s classification. (A) Type III SSN, (a) having STD longer than the MD. (B) Type II SSN, (b) equal length of STD and MD type II SSN. (C) Type I suprascapular notch SSN, (c) showing the length of STD shorter than the MD. SSN, suprascapular notch; STD, superior transverse diameter; MD, maximum vertical diameter.

Reference

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