Classification of suprascapular notch according to anatomical measurements in human scapulae.

The objective of this study was to measure the maximum superior and inferior lengths of the suprascapular notch with the help of a Vernier caliper and to classify the notches accordingly into four types. This is an observational study, conducted from January to December 2009 at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi. Two hundred and fifty dried human scapulae were procured and measured irrespective of age, gender, race, and sidedness. The maximum superior and inferior lengths were calculated with the help of Vernier caliper. The percentage of notches with greater maximum superior length as compared to inferior length was the highest i.e. 68% (type-III); percentage of notches with equal superior and inferior length was 14% (type-II) absence of notch was noted in 10% of scapulae (type-I) and notches with greater maximum superior length as compared to inferior length was 8% (type-IV). Suprascapular nerve entrapment may be associated with a specific type of suprascapular notch.