Morphometric variations of the suprascapular notch using three-dimensional computed tomography scans in a group of Jordanian population

Abstract

Aim: The study was performed to understand the morphological anatomical variations of suprascapular notch (SSN) among Jordanian population and to explore the correlation between the morphological measurements according to gender, age, weight, and height. Materials and Methods: A total of 182 computed tomography scans of scapulae were analyzed for 91 patients. The type of SSN was determined using a classification based on the following three geometrical measurements: superior transverse diameter, middle transverse diameters, and maximal depth. Results: The most common type predominated in the sample was Type III with percentages on the right and left, respectively (89% and 84%), 4% for Type II, 7% for Type I, and 8% were having a foramen, whereas absent SSN cases were 4%. On the left side, 1% for Type II, 15% who have Type I, and about 7% of the patients have foramen, whereas absent SSN cases were 7%. Conclusion: Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SSN described in this study should be helpful in endoscopic and open procedures of the suprascapular region and also may increase the safety of operative decompression of the suprascapular nerve.