Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament Ossification and its Clinical Importance: An Osteological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Superior border of scapula is thin and presents the suprascapular notch. The superior transverse ligament bridges across the notch, which is attached laterally to the root of the coracoid process and medially to the limit of the notch. Notch is converted into foramen, through which passes the suprascapular nerve to the supraspinous fossa; the suprascapular vessels. The superior transverse ligament may be completely or incompletely ossified and it is one of the predisposing factors for suprascapular nerve entrapment neuropathy. Aim: To study the ossification of superior transverse scapular ligament and its clinical importance. Materials and Methods: The present osteological study was carried on 77 (34 right side and 43 left side) dry adult human scapulae of both sexes obtained during undergraduate teaching from October 2015 to September 2016. Scapulae with suprascapular foramen were studied. Superior transverse ligament was observed for complete or incomplete ossification. Results: The incidence of the suprascapular foramen in the present study was 3.89% (2.59% completely ossified and 1.29% incompletely ossified superior transverse ligament). Conclusion: Complete or incomplete ossified superior transverse scapular ligament may lead to narrowing of the suprascapular notch forming a foramen and thus give rise to suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. An awareness of suprascapular foramen is important to the anatomists, radiologists, neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons. Existence of suprascapular foramen alters the surgical technique or arthroscopic decompression of the suprascapular nerve.

Keywords

• foramen
• neuropathy
• scapula
• suprascapular notch