A Study on Complete Absence of the Suprascapular Notch

BACKGROUND: The suprascapular notch is a common feature of superior border of the scapula, near the coracoid process. Superior transverse scapular ligament is a band like fibrous structure that converts the suprascapular notch into a foramen through which the suprascapular nerve passes, whereas the suprascapular vessels goes above the ligament. Some times this suprascapular notch is absent. Its absence along with different variations of superior transverse scapular ligament may results in suprascapular nerve entrapment neuropathy. This syndrome is characterized by vague pain on the posterolateral aspect of shoulder and atrophy of supraspinatus& infraspinatus muscles. The patients also complain about weakness of external rotation and abduction of arm. The knowledge about the variations along the course of the nerve is important in understanding the source of the entrapment syndrome. AIMS& OBJECTIVES: To study the incidence of complete absence of suprascapular notch in Indian population& compare it with incidences in various races of world. MATERIALS& METHODS: The present study carried out on 220 (Right-108, Left-112) dried human scapulae of unknown sex and age for presence or absence of the suprascapular notch on superior border of scapula. RESULTS: Scapulae without suprascapular notch are found in 34 among 220 scapulae (15.46 %), in which 15 (6.82 %) belongs to right side& 19 (8.64 %) to left side. CONCLUSION: The incidence of complete absence of suprascapular notch in our study suggest that it is not a rare finding. So, every practicing physician& surgeon should always consider its role in suprascapular nerve entrapment neuropathy.