Suprascapular notch
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Morgan, M., Hacking, C. Suprascapular notch. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 30 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-34244
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rID:
34244
Article created:
11 Feb 2015 by Dr Matt A. Morgan ◉
Revisions:
7 times by 4 users - see full revision history
System:
Section:
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Synonyms:
- 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 anterior coracoid process.
Relations and/or boundaries
The suprascapular nerve passes through the notch on its course over the scapula to 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
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Related pathology
-
suprascapular notch cyst
- may occur from a SLAP tear
- cyst may cause mass effect on the suprascapular nerve, resulting in supraspinatus and infraspinatus denervation
Quiz questions
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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
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