Glenoid cavity of scapula has variable morphology and therefore its anatomy is of enormous importance for orthopaedic surgeon and prosthetic designers. Presence of notch in the antero-superior part of glenoid rim affects the morphology of glenoid labrum. Anatomical variations of glenoid cavity are also important for understanding the various pathologies involving the shoulder joint. Present study aims to determine various anthropometric measurements of scapula and glenoid cavity including the variations of its shape. Materials and Methods: A total of 126 adult dry scapulae available in the Dept. of Anatomy, ACMS Delhi Cantt., India, and also procured from medical colleges in the vicinity were taken for the study. Results: The mean length and breadth of scapula observed were 141.94±12.76 mm 103.65±6.82mm respectively. The mean length of the glenoid observed in the present study was 38.78±3.03 mm. The mean AP glenoid diameter 1 and 2 were 24.93±2.55mm and18.66±2.13 mm respectively. The mean Glenoid cavity Index (GCI) found in the present study was 64.29 ± 9.79 mm. Conclusion: The dimensions of the glenoid observed in the present study were similar to those recorded in the studies done on other populations except for the shape. Higher percentage of glenoid cavities without a definitive notch was recorded in the present study compared to earlier studies. This fact may be taken into consideration while designing glenoid prostheses for the North Indian population.

Suprascapular notch is the common site for entrapment of supra scapular nerve. SSN compression usually presents with vague pain across the scapula or dull shoulder ache. It is more common in overhead athletes like volleyball players. Better knowledge of the suprascapular notch anatomy may help to prevent and to assess more accurately suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome. The regional variations in the incidence of complete absence of suprascapular notch and its involvement in suprascapular nerve entrapment neuropathy should be kept in mind during surgical or arthroscopic shoulder procedures. Materials and Methods: The present study is done on the basis of classification proposed by Iqbal and Natis et al. 126 scapulae of North Indian origin were taken for the study. Morphometric measurement and shape of each supra scapular notch was studied. Results: The present study showed Type II supra scapular notch (TD>VL) as the most common Type which was found in 47.6%.of specimens. The most common shape of SSN found was U shaped (46%) followed by V shaped & J shaped at 24.6%& 15.9% respectively. Complete ossification of STSL leading to formation of bony foramen was observed in 2.4% while both notch and a bony foramen together was not found even in a single scapula in our study. Conclusion: The shape & dimensions of SSN and complete ossification of STSL has been shown to be associated with increased risk of supra scapular nerve entrapment, resulting in weakness and wasting of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Anatomical knowledge of such variations should be kept in mind during surgical and arthroscopic shoulder procedures.

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