Suprascapular notch

The suprascapular notch (or scapular notch) is a notch in the superior border of the scapula, just medial to the base of the coracoid process.

This notch is converted into a foramen by the superior transverse scapular ligament, and serves for the passage of the suprascapular nerve (but not its corresponding artery); sometimes the ligament is ossified. The suprascapular artery travels superiorly to the superior transverse ligament.

According to Rengachary et al. 1979, there are six basic types of scapular notch:

• Type I (8%): Notch is absent. The superior border forms a wide depression from the medial angle to the coracoid process.
• Type II (31%): Notch is a blunted V-shape occupying the middle third of the superior border.
• Type III (48%): Notch is U-shaped with nearly parallel margins.
• Type IV (3%): Notch is V-shaped and very small. A shallow groove is frequently formed for the suprascapular nerve adjacent to the notch.
• Type V (6%): Notch is minimal and U-shaped with a partially ossified ligament.
• Type VI (4%): Notch is a foramen as the ligament is completely ossified.

Additional images

• Suprascapular notch of left scapula - animation01.gif

  Left scapula. Suprascapular notch shown in red.

• Suprascapular notch - animation02.gif

  Animation. Suprascapular notch shown in red.

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  Left scapula. Dorsal surface. (Sup. notch visible at top center.)

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  Costal surface of left scapula. Suprascapular notch labeled at top center.

Notes

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

See also

• Great scapular notch