Suprascapular notch

The suprascapular notch (or scapular notch) is a notch in the superior border of the scapula, just medial to the base of the coracoid process.

Suprascapular notch
Costal surface of left scapula. Suprascapular notch shown in red.
Costal surface of left scapula. Suprascapular notch visible in the red square.
Details
Identifiers
LatinIncisura scapulae
TA98A02.4.01.015
TA21158
FMA23236
Anatomical terms of bone

This notch is converted into a foramen by the superior transverse scapular ligament, and serves for the passage of the suprascapular nerve (but not its corresponding artery);[1] sometimes the ligament is ossified. The suprascapular artery travels superiorly to the superior transverse ligament.[2]

Types

According to Rengachary et al. 1979, there are six basic types of scapular notch:[3]

  • Type I (8%): Notch is absent. The superior border forms a wide depression from the medial angle to the coracoid process.
  • Type II (31%): Notch is a blunted V-shape occupying the middle third of the superior border.
  • Type III (48%): Notch is U-shaped with nearly parallel margins.
  • Type IV (3%): Notch is V-shaped and very small. A shallow groove is frequently formed for the suprascapular nerve adjacent to the notch.
  • Type V (6%): Notch is minimal and U-shaped with a partially ossified ligament.
  • Type VI (4%): Notch is a foramen as the ligament is completely ossified.[4]

Clinical Relevance

As the suprascapular nerve passes through the suprascapular notch, it is a common site of entrapment for the nerve.[5][6]

The suprascapular nerve predictably passes through the suprascapular notch, so it is a good place for a local nerve block of the entire nerve.[7][8]

Additional images
  • Left scapula. Suprascapular notch shown in red.
  • Animation. Suprascapular notch shown in red.
  • Left scapula. Dorsal surface. (Sup. notch visible at top center.)
  • Costal surface of left scapula. Suprascapular notch labeled at top center.

See also

Notes
  1. Nathan, Jay K.; McGillicuddy, John E. (2015-01-01), Tubbs, R. Shane; Rizk, Elias; Shoja, Mohammadali M.; Loukas, Marios (eds.), "Chapter 38 - Anatomy of the Ventral Rami, Upper Trunk, and Its Divisions and Branches", Nerves and Nerve Injuries, San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 527–535, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-410390-0.00040-8, ISBN 978-0-12-410390-0, retrieved 2020-10-19
  2. Gray's Anatomy (1918), see infobox
  3. Habermeyer, Magosch & Lichtenberg 2006, pp. 5–6
  4. White, Tim D.; Black, Michael T.; Folkens, Pieter A. (2012-01-01), White, Tim D.; Black, Michael T.; Folkens, Pieter A. (eds.), "Chapter 8 - Shoulder Girdle: Clavicle and Scapula", Human Osteology (Third Edition), San Diego: Academic Press, pp. 161–174, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-374134-9.50008-8, ISBN 978-0-12-374134-9, retrieved 2020-10-19
  5. Preston, David C.; Shapiro, Barbara E. (2013-01-01), Preston, David C.; Shapiro, Barbara E. (eds.), "31 - Proximal Neuropathies of the Shoulder and Arm", Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders (Third Edition), London: W.B. Saunders, pp. 487–500, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4557-2672-1.00031-3, ISBN 978-1-4557-2672-1, retrieved 2020-10-19
  6. Bouche, P. (2013-01-01), Said, Gérard; Krarup, Christian (eds.), "Chapter 19 - Compression and entrapment neuropathies", Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Elsevier, 115, pp. 311–366, doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9, retrieved 2020-10-19
  7. Wilkinson, Laura J. "Defunct DOI". Crossref. doi:10.1016/b978-032304184-3.50050-9. Retrieved 2020-10-19.
  8. Molloy, Robert E. (2005-01-01), Benzon, Honorio T.; Raja, Srinivasa N.; Molloy, Robert E.; Liu, Spencer S. (eds.), "Chapter 75 - Truncal Blocks: Intercostal, Paravertebral, Interpleural, Suprascapular, Ilioinguinal, and Iliohypogastric Nerve Blocks", Essentials of Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia (Second Edition), Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 636–644, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06651-1.50079-4, ISBN 978-0-443-06651-1, retrieved 2020-10-19

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 204 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

References
  • Habermeyer, Peter; Magosch, Petra; Lichtenberg, Sven (2006). Classifications and Scores of the Shoulder. Springer. ISBN 978-3-540-24350-2. LCCN 2005938553.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Rengachary, S. S.; Burr, D.; Lucas, S.; Hassanein, K. M.; Mohn, M. P.; Matzke, H. (1979). "Suprascapular entrapment neuropathy: a clinical, anatomical, and comparative study". Neurosurgery. 5 (4): 447–451. doi:10.1227/00006123-197910000-00007. PMID 534049.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
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