Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The suprascapular notch which is present on the superior border of the scapula, is converted into suprascapular foramen by the attachment of the superior transverse ligament to its edges. The suprascapular nerve passes through this foramen and the suprascapular vessels pass above the ligament. During its course through the foramen, the suprascapular nerve can get entrapped due to the different shapes of the suprascapular notch. Materials &Methods: The present study was conducted on 85 dry human scapulae (44 Right and 41 Left) obtained from the Department of Anatomy, GGS Medical College, Faridkot. The scapulae were examined for different shapes of the suprascapular notch. Absence of notch was also noted and the data was recorded. Results: In the present study three different shapes (U, V and J) of suprascapular notch, ossification of superior transverse ligament and the absence of suprascapular notch were noted.  Out of 85 scapulae, 30 (35.29 %) had U-shaped, 26 (30.58%) had J-shaped and 3 (3.52%) had V-shaped suprascapular notch. The suprascapular notch was absent in 24(28.23%) of the scapulae and the superior transverse ligament was seen ossified in 2 (2.35%) of the scapulae. Conclusion: The knowledge of these variations in the shapes of the suprascapular notch should be kept in the mind by physicians, radiologists, surgeons and orthopaedicians in the diagnosis and treatment of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome.
Key words: Scapula, anatomical variations, suprascapular notch, suprascapular nerve.

Received: 15 March, 2019                                         Revised:  02 August 2019                         Accepted: 05 August 2019

Corresponding Author: Dr. Gursharan Singh Dhindsa, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College & Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India.

This article may be cited as: Dhindsa GS, Gupta V. A Study of the Anatomical Variations in the Shape of Suprascapular Notch in Indian Population. J Adv Med Dent Scie Res 2019;7(8): 223-226.