Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology

Aim: This present study meant to describe different shape and dimensions of suprascapular notch, and to classify different types of scapula on the basis of notch.

Material & Methods: 293 dried scapulae were observed, examined and studied in detail. Scapulae with supra-scapular notch were included in the present study. Measurements of suprascapular notch were taken with the help of digital Vernier calliper and recorded in millimetres. The superior transverse diameter, Inferior transverse diameter of supra scapular notch, depth were recorded. The data was analyzed statistically.

Observations & Results: We observed five types of notch in scapulae, type I: without a discrete notch (ill defined), 36 (12.28%), type II: a ‘V’ shaped notch, 69 (23.54%); type III: ‘U’ shaped notch, 132 (45.0%); type IV: inverted ‘V’ shaped notch, 52 (17.74%); type V with absent supra scapular notch: 4(1.36%).

Conclusion: The present classification of the suprascapular notch is simple, easy to use, and based on specific dimensions which help to clearly distinguish five types of these structures. This study will also help clinicians to correlate suprascapular nerve entrapment with a specific type of suprascapular notch.

Keywords: Suprascapular notch; suprascapular foramen; suprascapular nerve, Scapula