High Incidence of Complete Ossification of the Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament in Brazilians and its Clinical Implications

Abstract

SUMMARY:The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of the ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) on dry bones of scapulae. 221 dry bones were analyzed, (111 rights and 110 lefts), proceeding from Rio de Janeiro and of Santa Catarina, Brazil. As exclusion criterion, were not analyzed bones of children or damaged. For the quantitative analysis of the data, the software Graphad Instat was used. Fisher exact test was used considering the p≤ 0,05 as significant. After analysis of the scapulae, 30,76% (68/ 221) presented the ossified STSL (p≤ 0,0001) of which, 52,94% (36/68) were ossified on the right side and 47,05% (32/68) on the left one. The 153 scapulae that did not present the ossified STSL, it was observed in 19,6 % (30/153) of these bones, the superior edge varying in the transverse plan, increasing superior angulation and, modified the width and depth of the scapular incisure. This anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by clinicians that approaches painful syndrome of the shoulder, as well as, this anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by students that may manipulate this anatomical area.

Ossification of Transverse Scapular Ligament in North Indian Population

“…In present study, we found 12.5% incidence of completely ossified STSL which is close to findings of Jadhav et al [9] (10.57%). Silva et al [10] found the incidence of completely ossified STSL 30.76% in Brazilian population which is very high as compared to our study (12.5%). In some parts of world its incidence is very rare e.g.…”

Unusual morphology of scapulae: incidence and dimensions of ossified ligaments and supraspinous bony tunnels for clinical consideration

“…(3) However, a high incidence of ossified STSL does not proportionally correlate with the occurrence of SSN entrapment; (4,5) this could be due to the lack of focus on the influence that the body ridge shape (created by the ossified STSL) has on SSN entrapment. With this in mind, the present study was designed to analyse the variable morphological aspects of the ossified STSL, along with other ossified ligaments found in the scapula.…”

Suprascapular foramen: a rare variation caused by ossified suprascapular ligaments

“…The incidence of the SN entrapment has been found higher in Brazilians, and the incidence of foraminae was found higher on right sides of male cadavers than left side (p < 0.05) [46]. Tubbs et al [50] concluded that higher rate of suprascapular foramina on right scapulae may be related to the right-hand dominance in general population.…”

“…There was no correlation between the notch type and the injury frequency although the differences of morphology were found in the notch [11,46]. The incidence of the SN entrapment has been found higher in Brazilians, and the incidence of foraminae was found higher on right sides of male cadavers than left side (p < 0.05) [46].…”

“…The scapular notch is changed into a bony foramen by ossification of the suprascapular ligament and this may result in SN entrapment [34,36,46]. The SN is usually compressed mainly at the level of SSN or the base of scapular spine [27].…”