Abstract:

Objective To assess the differences between different scapulae in the same subject to obtain a safe zone for avoiding iatrogenic nerve lesions, and to provide data reference for the improvement and operation of arthroscopic surgery. Methods Totally 100 well preserved dry scapulae were selected and measured the scapular body, glenoid, and the course of the suprascapular nerve. Data were processed and analyzed by statistical methods. Results The Pearson’s correlation between major ongitudinal axis (A), major transversal axis (B), glenoid major longitudinal axis (C), glenoid major transversal axis (D) and the distance from the supraglenoid tubercle to the scapular notch (E) respectively were 0.797, 0.786, 0.792 and 0.687; between them and the distance from the midline of the posterior glenoid rim to the base of the scapular spine (F) respectively were: 0.368, 0.381, 0.403 and 0.396. According to the results of statistical calculation, the safe zone referring to the whole population proved to be 2.2cm for the distance from the supraglenoid tubercle to the nerve at the scapular notch and 1.3 cm for the distance from the midline of the posterior glenoid rim to the base of the scapular spine. Conclusion It is important to understand the safety zone in the operation to avoid the injury of the suprascapular nerve; therefore, the related indexes of the scapulae should be evaluated, so that as obtain the better entry during the operation. The linear predictors should be used to obtain specific values of the posterosuperior limit in each patient.