Morphometry of Suprascapular Notch in Northeast Brazilian Population

Abstract

Introduction: the suprascapular notch (SSN) lies on the superior border of scapula, close to the root of coracoid process. The suprascapular nerve passes through the notch, below superior transverse scapular ligament. The objective of the present study was to analyze the main morphological aspects of SSN in scapulae of Northeast Brazil. Material and Methods: a total of 97 adult unpaired scapulae of unknown age and sex were randomly selected. The shape of SSN was determined by direct inspection and the vertical and transverse diameters of the SSN were measured. The type of SSN was determined by using the classification of Natsis et al. (2007) and Iqbal et al. (2010). The results were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: in the studied scapulae, the SSN was revealed in 70.10%, absent in 29.90% and none of scapulae has bony foramen. Considering Natsis et al., type II SSN was the most common finding on 62.88% scapulae, followed by type I SSN with 29.90% and type III with 7.22%. Types IV and V were not found. According Iqbal et al., only 68 scapulae were macroscopically analyzed, 58.82% were J-shaped and 41.18% were U-shaped. There was not any V-shaped scapula found. The SSN had a longest transverse diameter (type II) in 62.88% and had a longest vertical diameter (type III) in 7.22%. Conclusion: knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SSN is useful for anatomists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and neurosurgeons for a better diagnosis and management of the entrapment syndrome.

Morphological types and morphometrical measurements of the suprascapular notch in both dry bones and human cadavers: anatomical study to improve the outcomes of the diagnostic and interventional procedures in the shoulder region

“…Meanwhile, type (I) of SSN was the highest incidence followed by type (III) then type (II) in Americans [ 4 ]. On the other hand, only SSN of types (I) and (III) with absence of type (II) were reported in different literatures including Ticker et al [ 9 ] (Americans), Urgüden et al [ 28 ] (Turkish), Lucena et al [ 29 ] in Brazilians, Mahdy and Shehab [ 30 ] in Egyptians, and Wang et al [ 27 ] in Chinese. So, the incidence difference of SSN types could be related to the number and race of the specimens used in each study.…”

“…Moreover, by US investigation of 120 adult Poland patients, Jezierski et al [ 6 ] found a significant side difference of VD and STD, where the mean of right STD was 14.8±4.8 mm and VD measured 6.3±2.1 mm while the measurement of STD and VD of left sided SSN was 13.8±4.0 mm and 6.6±2.3 mm respectively. Also, Lucena et al [ 29 ] reported significant side difference between VD and STD of 97 dry Brazilians scapulae in both type (I) and type (III) SSN, where VD and STD of right SSN of type (I) measured 10.1±2.1 mm and 8.4±2.1 mm but the mean of VD and STD of left-sided SSN was 7.8±1.3 mm and 7±1.7 mm respectively. In type (III), VD and STD of right SSN measured 4.9±2.4 mm and 8.2±2.9 mm but that of left-sided SSN was 3.9±2.1 mm and 7.9±2.5 mm.…”

“…Similar incidence was reported in different populations: 8.3% in German [ 8 ], 10% in Egyptians [ 32 ], and 12.4% in Italians [ 2 ]. However, higher values of the bony foramen was reported: 15%–20% in Indians [ 20 ], 22.5% in Pakistani [ 10 ], 29.9% in Brazilians [ 29 ]. Meanwhile, lower incidence rates were recorded in other studies; 6% in Poland [ 3 ], 2.2% in Kenyan [ 22 ], 6.1% in Egyptians [ 30 ], and 5.1% in Indians [ 17 ].…”