Complete ossification of Superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) in dried human scapulae in Gujarat region: A risk Factor for Suprascapular nerve compression

Dr Ukti Desai

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Complete ossification of Superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) in dried human scapulae in Gujarat region: A risk Factor for Suprascapular nerve compression

Dr Ukti Desai

Abstract :

The superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) idges the suprascapular notch of scapula, converting it into a suprascapular foramen. The suprascapular nerve traverses through the suprascapular foramen and suprascapular vessels pass above the ligament. Often the STSL gets ossified leading to entrapment of the suprascapular nerve producing relevant symptoms. The entrapment of the suprascapular nerve by the ossified STSL may result in symptoms like pain in the shoulder region and also result in wasting and weakness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Such a condition has to be differentiated from other conditions like rotator cuff tears. The purpose of present study was to find incidence of complete ossification of STSL in Gujarat region. 200 (Right–98, Lef102) dried human scapulae were examined for the complete ossification of STSL. 3.5% (7 in 200) scapulae presented with completely ossified STSL (Right–4, Left–3). It can be one of the leading causes of suprascapular neuropathies.