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A study on the morphology of the suprascapular notch and its distance from the glenoid cavity

PainSci » bibliography » Sangam et al 2013
updated
Tags: anatomy, neurology

One article on PainSci cites Sangam 2013: You Might Just Be Weird

PainSci notes on Sangam 2013:

A nice example of anatomical variation: the size and shape of a notch in the top of the shoulder blade is quite variable, and nerve impingement is much more likely if you’ve got the wrong type of notch.

original abstract Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections.

INTRODUCTION: A suprascapular nerve entrapment can occur at the suprascapular notch or at the spinoglenoid notch. So, the size and shape of the suprascapular notch are associated with suprascapular entrapment neuropathy as well as with an injury to the suprascapular nerve in arthroscopic procedures. The knowledge on the variations along the course of the nerve is important in understanding the source of the entrapment syndrome. Material and

METHODS: The present study was carried out on 104 scapulae which were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, NRI Medical College and from other nearby medical colleges. The suprascapular notches in the scapulae were classified, based on the descriptions of Rengachary et al and Ticker et al. The distance between the suprascapular notch and the supraglenoid tubercle, and the distance between the posterior rim of the glenoid cavity and the medial wall of the spinoglenoid notch at the base of the scapular spine, were determined. The data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: Based on the Rengachary classification, the type III notch was more common. The suprascapular foramen was observed in 2 scapulae. In 56.73% scapulae, the superior transverse diameter was greater than the maximum depth. The U shaped notch (69.23%) was more common. 2.88% and 8.65% scapulae fell short of the mentioned respective safe zone distances from the margin of the glenoid cavity.

CONCLUSION: Such studies may be useful in understanding the role of the notch in causing nerve entrapment and to prevent iatrogenic nerve injuries while posterior approaches are made to the shoulder joint.

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