Morphological Variations of the Suprascapular Notch and Its Clinical Correlation with Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction- The suprascapular nerve, which supplies the rotator cuff muscles and ligaments in the acromioclavicular and shoulder joints, passes via the suprascapular notch, which is located medial to the coracoid process. The compression of the suprascapular nerve, which often occurs in the suprascapular notch, can cause excruciating shoulder discomfort, arm weakness, limited range of motion, and ultimately atrophy of the muscles that the nerve supplies. Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome is a noteworthy differential diagnosis for shoulder pain. Sadly, it is frequently overlooked while determining the cause of shoulder pain or discomfort. The major goal of our research is to determine the frequency of various morphological abnormalities in the suprascapular notch and whether or not these differences may contribute to suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome.

Material and methods-In order to determine the type, quantity, and presence of suprascapular notch, we thoroughly inspected 75 scapula. We took pictures to record the suprascapular notch's observed alterations, then arranged the data in a table.

Results –4% of the 75 scapulae in our study had no suprascapular notch (Type 1), 17.3% had a blunted V-shape (Type 2), 32% had a U-shape (Type 3), 13.3% had a minimally V-shaped (Type 4), 24% had a V-shape with partial ossification (Type 5), and 9.3% had a foramen at the site of the suprascapular notch (type 6). Type 3 was the most prevalent morphological variant of the suprascapular notch.

Conclusion-Understanding the morphological changes in the suprascapular notch is essential for correctly identifying suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome using non-invasive diagnostic imaging and for organising the best surgical procedures.