Ultrasonographic evaluation and morphometric measurements of the suprascapular notch

Background:  The aim of this study was to define the sonographic evaluation and morphometric measurements of the suprascapular notch. Methods  The suprascapular notch was evaluated by ultrasound on both sides in 50 volunteers (25 males, 25 females). By means of ultrasound, the notch width, the notch depth and the distance between the skin and the notch base (skin–notch base interval) were measured and imaging of the superior transverse scapular ligament was attempted. Furthermore, imaging of the suprascapular artery and vein was performed by Doppler ultrasound. Results  On the measurements performed, the notch was found to be deeper in men than in women on both the right (P = 0.022) and the left (P = 0.011) sides. Taking all volunteers into account without grouping sex, no differences were detected between the two sides with respect to the measurements of the notch width, notch depth and distance between the skin and the notch base. The superior transverse scapular ligament was demonstrated in 48 (96%) of 50 volunteers. On color Doppler ultrasound, the artery–vein complex was visualized in a total of 43 (86%) volunteers. Conclusions  Suprascapular notch measurements and the visualization of the anatomical neighborhood, which may be beneficial for the suprascapular nerve blockade procedure, can be successfully performed by the use of high-frequency ultrasound imaging.