OSSIFIED SUPERIOR TRANSVERSE SCAPULAR LIGAMENT: A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY ON DRIED PAKISTANI SCAPULAE

Background: The suprascapular notch of scapula is converted into a foramen by superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) with the suprascapular nerve passing through the foramen and the suprascapular vessels passing above it. The suprascapular notch is the most common site of suprascapular nerve entrapment, which can manifest in disability and pain of the upper limb.The anatomical variations of suprascapular notch are considered to be a risk factor for suprascapular neuropathy entrapment. Complete ossification of STSL with formation of bony foramina is the most recognized predisposing factor for the compression of suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to see the incidence of the ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) on dried Pakistani scapulae, Materials and Methods: Two hundred and four dried scapulae from the Anatomy Departments of Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore and Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot were examined. The scapulae included in this study were 97 of right side and 107 of left side. The scapulae were closely observed for the presence of ossified STSL. Results: It was found that complete ossification of superior transverse scapular ligament was found in 4 out of 204 scapulae. The incidence was 1.96% in Pakistani population. Conclusion: The role of STSL in causing suprascapular nerve entrapment is a known fact and proper understanding of the topographical anatomy may be helpful for clinicians and surgeons in routine practice. Present study showed 1.96% incidence of ossified STSL in Pakistani population.