The supra**scapular notch** (or scapular notch) is a notch in the superior border of the scapula, just medial to the base of the coracoid process. It is converted into the suprascapular canal by the suprascapular ligament.

Structure

This notch is converted into a foramen by the suprascapular ligament, and serves for the passage of the suprascapular nerve. The suprascapular vessels vary in number as well as in their course as they run at the suprascapular notch site. The suprascapular artery pass above the suprascapular ligament in most cases. The suprascapular vein may pass through the suprascapular notch or it may instead pass superior to the suprascapular ligament.

Types

Two main classification systems exist; others are modified approaches of the same principle.

Typing based on subjective observation of the suprascapular notch shape.

Introduced by and modified by There are six basic types of scapular notch:

Typing based on parametric measurements of depth to upper width ratio of the suprascapular notch

Introduced by and modified by There are five basic types of scapular notch: The second method of suprascapular notch typing yields more practical approach in clinical diagnosis of the suprascapular nerve entrapment.

Clinical significance

As the suprascapular nerve passes through the suprascapular notch, it is a common site of entrapment for the nerve. Suprascapular notch stenosis is a narrowing of the notch internal space that can potentially compress the suprascapular nerve leading to suprascapular nerve entrapment. predicted the morphological pattern of the suprascapular notch stenosis revealing higher incidence in the discrete notch (Type V according to the parametric measurements typing system). There are two main suprascapular stenosis patterns: The suprascapular nerve predictably passes through the suprascapular notch, so it is a good place for a local nerve block of the entire nerve.

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