scholarly journals Morphometric Study of Suprascapular Notch and Its Variations in Dried Human Scapulae

Author(s):  
Kamal D. Pawar ◽  
Sushama. K. Chavan ◽  
Mohini M. Joshi

The study was undertaken to see the variation of the suprascapular notch. The notch is present on the superior border of the scapula near the root of coracoid process. It is roofed by the superior transverse ligament and is converted into foramen for the passage of suprascapular nerve. The study was carried out on 121 scapulae in the department of Anatomy RMC Loni, Ahmednagar. The parameters included in the study were presence of notch, shape of notch, transvers length of notch, edge of notch, ossification of transverse ligament and other finding were also noted. The parameters were measured by Vernier calliper and appropriate statistical tests were applied. The supra-scapular notch was present in 82.64% of scapulae. U Deep shaped notch was most common shape followed by J shallow shaped notch. Round edge at the depth of the notch was more common. The knowledge of suprascapular notch variations is of great importance for surgeons performing suprascapular nerve decompression especially by means of endoscopic techniques. Our anatomical study helps the clinicians before planning a surgery.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Thaer M. Farhan ◽  
Huda Rashid Kamoona

The suprascapular notch, a depression on the lateral part of the superior border of the scapula, medial to the coracoid process, is covered by the superior transverse scapular ligament, which is converted into a foramen. Sometimes it might be ossified forming a complete osseous foramen. The Suprascapular Notch (SN) served as a passage for the Suprascapular Nerve (SSN). Study the morphology of the suprascapular notch and the suprascapular transverse ligament based on MRI, variations in shape and dimensions of the suprascapular notch. A group of 100 patients underwent MRI examination of the scapular region through the period from 10th July 2019 to 15th Feb 2020. Different morphological types of the suprascapular notch were encountered in the study, the most common type was type III, while type I was less common in the study. The symmetry of the morphological feature of SN bilaterally was seen in 51% of the cases. Conclusively, the symmetry of the suprascapular notch is not a constant feature bilaterally.


2013 ◽  
Vol 02 (03) ◽  
pp. 140-144
Author(s):  
Vandana R. ◽  
Sudha Patil

Abstract Background and aims: Suprascapular nerve may be compressed anywhere along its course but most commonly at the level of SSN (suprascapular notch) and spinoglenoid notch. The variation in the morphological and morphometric features of SSN, spinoglenoid notch, therefore plays a crucial role in the suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. The purpose of present study was to determine the variation in morphology and dimensions of SSN and to determine posterosuperior and posterior limits of safe zone for shoulder joint procedures from posterior approach. Material & methods: We conducted study on 134 dry scapulae of north Karnataka region and classified the SSN into various shapes according to Iqbal et al and I-VI types based on description by Natsis et al, along with this, the mean distance from the SSN to supraglenoid tubercle and the mean distance between posterior rim of glenoid cavity and medial wall of spinoglenoid notch at the base of scapular spine were also measured. Results: Based on Iqbal et al classification, 'U' shaped notch found to be most common (35%) whereas least common was W shaped (0.7%).The incidence of complete ossification of STSL was 12.6%. Based on Natsis classification most common was type II (TD>VL) seen in 69% and least common was type VI (notch & foramen) 0% .The mean distance from SSN to supraglenoid tubercle was 27.3 mms ± 1.7 and mean distance between posterior rim of glenoid cavity and medial wall of spinoglenoid notch at the base of scapular spine was 13mms ± 0.2 which are comparatively less than the other population studies which are mentioned in the article. Conclusions: There are variations in the shape and size of SSN and safe zone critical distance in different populations so it requires still more population specific studies on suprascapular notch.


Author(s):  
Marius von Knoch ◽  
Stephan Frosch ◽  
Mike H. Baums ◽  
Wolfgang Lehmann

Abstract Background The suprascapular nerve can be compromised as a result of a compression syndrome in different locations. A (proximal) compression within the scapular notch can lead to dorsal shoulder pain and simultaneous weakness of the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles. By transection of the lig. transversum this compression syndrome can be treated. By means of a systematic review, the present work analyzes the motor recovery potential after arthroscopic decompression. Material and Methods A systematic review of the U. S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health (PubMed) database and the Cochrane Library was performed using the PRISMA checklist. The search words used were “suprascapular” and “arthroscopic”; “suprascapular” and “arthroscopy”. Based on the evaluated literature, articles in English with at least a partial arthroscopic case series from 4 cases on and a compression syndrome of the suprascapular nerve treated with arthroscopic decompression in the scapular notch were identified. Motor recovery was described by means of EMG, clinical strength and MRI. Results Primarily 408 hits were generated. Six articles met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. The number of arthroscopic cases was between 4 and a maximum of 27. The level of evidence was between III and IV. The majority of the reported clinical results were good. Motor recovery as measured by EMG was observed, recovery of full strength was not achieved in the majority of reported cases (60%), neither was regression of structural (fatty) degeneration of the muscle bellies. Conclusion Arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve in the scapular notch provides good clinical results and considerable pain relief. However, in the majority of cases it does not lead to a complete recovery of the strength of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles. Patients should be informed about this. An early decompression after diagnosis in the event of proximal compression within the suprascapular notch combined with beginning EMG or MRI changes appears reasonable. These beginning changes should be further defined. Future studies should develop prognostic criteria for motor recovery. Awareness regarding the diagnosis needs to be improved due to the probably time-dependent irreversibility of resulting muscular weakness.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Jezierski ◽  
Michał Podgórski ◽  
Grzegorz Wysiadecki ◽  
Łukasz Olewnik ◽  
Raffaele De Caro ◽  
...  

Background: Sonographic evaluation of the suprascapular notch (SSN) region is clinically important, because it is the most common location for performing suprascapular nerve block. The aim of the study was to describe the morphology of the SSN region based on ultrasound examination and in accordance with the patients' body mass index (BMI). Material and Methods: The SSN region was sonographically examined in 120 healthy volunteers according to our new four-step protocol. The morphometry of the SSN and the neurovascular bundle was assessed, and patients' BMI were calculated. The shape of the suprascapular notch was classified based on its superior transverse diameter (STD) and maximal depth (MD). Result: The type III scapular notch was the most prevalent (64%). The BMI was higher in type IV/V (27.38 ± 3.76) than in type I (24.77 ± 3.49). However, no significant differences were observed in the distribution of SSN notch types with regard to BMI (p = 0.0536). The suprascapular artery was visualised in all of the recognised SSNs, while the suprascapular vein and nerve were visualised only in 74.9% and 48.1% of the SSNs, respectively. The suprascapular nerve was significantly thicker on the right side (3.5 +/- 1.1 mm) than on the left (1.3 +/- 0.4 mm) (p = 0.001). In contrast, the suprascapular vein (1.5 +/- 0.9 mm) was found to be a significantly wider on the left side than the right (1.2 +/- 0.7 mm) (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our original four-step sonographic protocol enabled characterising the morphology of the SSN region, despite the SSN notch types. The suprascapular artery is the best sonographic landmark for the suprascapular notch region. No significant differences were found between sides regarding the thickness of the soft tissue above the suprascapular nerve and vessels. Recognition of the SSN morphology is not affected by the BMI.


2007 ◽  
Vol 6;10 (6;11) ◽  
pp. 746-746
Author(s):  
Dominic Harmon

Background: In this article, we describe a case report of using real-time, high-resolution ultrasound guidance to facilitate blockade of the suprascapular nerve. We describe a case report and technique for using a portable ultrasound scanner (38 mm broadband (13-6 MHz) linear array transducer (SonoSite Micromaxx SonoSite, Inc. 21919 30th Drive SE Bothwell W. A..)) to guide suprascapular nerve block. Methods: A 44-year old male patient presented with severe, painful osteoarthritis with adhesive capsulitis of his right shoulder. The ultrasound transducer in a transverse orientation was placed over the scapular spine. Moving the transducer cephalad the suprascapular fossa was identified. While imaging the supraspinatus muscle and the bony fossa underneath, the ultrasound transducer was moved laterally (maintaining a transverse transducer orientation) to locate the suprascapular notch. The suprascapular nerve was seen as a round hyperechoic structure at 4 cm depth beneath the transverse scapular ligament in the scapular notch. The nerve had an approximate diameter of 200 mm. Real-time imaging was used to direct injection in the scapular notch. Ultrasound scanning confirmed local anesthetic spread. Results: The patient’s pain intensity decreased. Shoulder movement and function improved. These improvements were maintained at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance does not expose patients and personnel to radiation. It is also less expensive than other imaging modalities. This technique has applications in both acute and chronic pain management. Key words: Technique, visualization, real-time, Ultrasound,nerve, analgesia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0001
Author(s):  
Pierre Laumonerie ◽  
Laurent Blasco ◽  
Meagan E Tibbo ◽  
Panagiotis Kerezoudis ◽  
Nicolas Bonnevialle ◽  
...  

Background: Suprascapular nerve (SSN) block using bone reference points (BARO) is a technique that in principle is accessible to practitioners without experience in locoregional anesthesia or ultrasound guidance. The primary objective was to validate the feasibility of SSN BARO by an orthopedic surgeon. The secondary objective was to provide a description of the path of the sensory branches from the SSN to the shoulder. Methods: A BARO was performed on 15 cadaveric shoulders by an intern in orthopedic surgery. Ten ml of methylene blue and 0.75% ropivocaine were injected around the SSN. 2.5ml of a red latex solution were also injected to identify the injection site. The distribution of the sensory branches of the NSS was also described. Results: The average distance between the SSN and the injection site was 1.5cm (0-4.5cm). The most frequent injection site was the proximal third of the scapular neck. Fifteen SSNs were marked upstream of the origin of the sensory branches. The 15 SSN produced 3 sensory branches that innervate the posterior glenohumeral capsule, the subacromial bursa, and the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments. Conclusion: SSN BARO by an orthopedic surgeon is a simple, reliable, and accurate technique. Injection near the suprascapular notch is recommended to mark the SSN upstream of its three sensory branches.


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