Systematic Review on Morphometric Study of Suprascapular Notch

Abstract

Suprascapular notch roofed by STSL is located in the lateral part of the superior border of scapula and medial to the base of the coracoids process. The suprascapular nerve (SN) is entrapped due to anatomical variation of the notch. The SN injury is the main cause of shoulder pain and weakness. Detailed anatomical knowledge of the SSN is necessary to manage entrapment neuropathy and interventional techniques. Therefore, in this study, we will measure the anatomical knowledge of various types of SSNs and the morphology of these structures. We searched multiple computerised databases from 2012 to 2022. Morphometry-based studies of the SSN were included in this systematic review. Those studies have information on various dimensions of SSN. The SSN can be classified into six anatomical types. These include Type I (wide depression), Type II (wide blunted V shape), Type III (symmetric U shape), Type IV (small V shape), Type V (partial ossified STSL), and Type VI (fully ossified STSL). Throughout the review, SSN was categorised as stated by Rengachary classification. There were five types of SSNs in the present review, the most predominant being type III (41.43%). Type III notch has a higher superior transverse diameter (STD) and middle transverse diameter (MTD) than any other notches, while type V notch has the lowest STD and MTD. Based on the outcomes of our review, we can conclude that type III SSN accounted for the most prevalence, followed by the other types of SSN. Type III notch (U-shaped notch through symmetrical and parallel lateral borders) has a higher STD and MTD than any other notch. At the same time, the type V notch has been found to have the lowest STD and MTD.