Suprascapular notch
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View Matt A. Morgan's current disclosuresAt the time the article was last revised Wilson Tao had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Wilson Tao's current disclosures- Scapular notch
The suprascapular notch is located on the superior aspect of the scapula, at the scapula's anterolateral aspect.
On this page:
Gross anatomy
The suprascapular notch separates the superior border of the scapula from the coracoid process.
Relations and/or boundaries
The suprascapular nerve passes through the notch on its course over the scapula to the supraspinous fossa in the dorsal shoulder.
The superior transverse scapular ligament passes over the notch and attaches to the base of the coracoid process. The suprascapular artery passes over the ligament.
Variant anatomy
One classification system attempts to categorize variant suprascapular notch anatomy 2:
type I: no suprascapular notch
type II: there is a 'V' shape to the suprascapular notch, and it is located in the middle third of the superior border
type III: there is a 'U' shape to the suprascapular notch
type IV: similar to type II, but very small; the suprascapular nerve often passes through a groove next to the notch
type V: similar to type III, but very small, with a partially ossified ligament
type VI (4%): the transverse scapular ligament is completely ossified
Related pathology
-
may occur from a SLAP tear
cyst may cause mass effect on the suprascapular nerve, resulting in supraspinatus and infraspinatus denervation
-
suprascapular nerve entrapment
associated with superior transverse scapular ligament ossification
Quiz questions
References
- 1. Gray's Anatomy. Churchill Livingstone. (2011) ISBN:0443066841. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Rengachary SS, Burr D, Lucas S et-al. Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy: a clinical, anatomical, and comparative study. Part 3: comparative study. Neurosurgery. 1980;5 (4): 452-5. Pubmed citation
Incoming Links
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- Paralabral cyst in spinoglenoid notch causing infraspinatus denervation
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