Abstract

Background: Suprascapular nerve most commonly compressed at the level of suprascapular notch (SSN) and spinoglenoid notch. Variation in morphological features of SSN and spinoglenoid notch plays a crucial role in suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. Objective: Present study was conducted to find out the variation in morphology and dimension of SSN and to determine 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 and classified 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 rim of 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’ shaped notch and indentation found to be least common(3.6%). Complete ossification were observed in 3 scapulae bone(3.6%). Based on Natsis classification most common was found to be type –II (TD>VL) (84%) and type VI and IV were not observed. Mean distance between SSN and supraglenoid tubercle was 31.08 mm and mean distance between posterior rim of glenoid cavity and medial wall of spinoglenoid notch at base of scapular spine was 14.26mm. Conclusion: Since variation in morphologoy of suprascapular notch and ossification of superior transverse suprascapular ligament(STSL) can be a factor for suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome and safe zone for different population varies. Hence knowing variations in shape and size of SSN, safe zone for different population is helpful. So this study may be useful for clinicians for better diagnosis and management. Still more population specific studies are required related to the morphology of suprascapular notch.

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