IJAR.2017.172

Type of Article:  Original Research

Volume 5; Issue 2.1 (April 2017)

Page No.: 3766-3770

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2017.172

A MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF SUPRASCAPULAR NOTCH AND ITS SAFE ZONE

Shalom Elsy Philip *1, Dakshayani K.R 2.

*1 Postgraduate, Department of Anatomy, Mysore medical college, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

2 Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Mysore medical college, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Shalom Elsy Philip, Postgraduate, Department of Anatomy, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Irwin road, Yadavagiri, Mysuru, Karnataka- 570001, India. E-Mail: tfcshalom@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Background: Suprascapular notch (SSN), situated on the superior border of scapula, is bridged by transverse scapular ligament converting into foramen which transmits suprascapular nerve. The SSN is the main site of suprascapular nerve compression, resulting in suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome, also landmark of the suprascapular nerve during arthroscopic shoulder surgeries.

Aim: To study morphometry and morphological variations of the suprascapular notch and to determine safe zone in the South Indian population.

Materials and Methods: 100 dry scapulae of unknown sex and age were studied in the department of anatomy, Mysore medical college. Variations in suprascapular notch was noted and dimensions were measured with the digital Vernier calipers.

Results: Suprascapular notch was present in all the scapula. U shaped notch was common. Based on Rengachary classification, most prevalent was Type III(36%) and least common was Type VI(3%). 3% and 21% of scapula fell short of safe zone distances from suprascapular notch to supragleniod tubercle, distance between posterior rim of glenoid cavity and spinoglenoid notch respectively. It was commonly noted in Type II followed by Type IV.

Conclusion: Knowledge of morphology of suprascapular notch is useful in determining the notch type, which leads to suprascapular nerve entrapment. Safe zone distance is of surgical importance in avoiding iatrogenic suprascapular nerve injuries especially in Type II and type IV during shoulder procedures.

KEY WORDS: Suprascapular Notch, Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment, Safe Zone.

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Cite this article: Shalom Elsy Philip, Dakshayani K.R. A MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF SUPRASCAPULAR NOTCH AND ITS SAFE ZONE. Int J Anat Res 2017;5(2.1):3766-3770. DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2017.172