2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (20): 3247-3252

Classification and morphological parameters of scapular foraminal defects and its clinical significance

Chen Meixiong1, Zheng Kai2, Zheng Nansheng1, Zhou Li1, Xu Mingkui1, Yuan Shiguo1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Scapular foraminal defects can affect the clinical diagnoses and treatments of diseases around the scapula. However, the classification of scapular foraminal defects is lacking, and less is reported on the distribution and morphological parameters of scapular foraminal defects in Chinese people.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the classification, distribution, and morphometric parameters of scapular foraminal defects in dry scapulae in a Chinese population.
METHODS: A novel classification system with three categories and six subtypes of scapular foraminal defects was defined. Category I corresponds to the foramina of the scapular body for nerves and blood vessels, Category II corresponds to the variation in non-neurovascular holes or defects, and Category III is a mixture of Category I and Category II. Category I comprises two subtypes: Type A, suprascapular foramina; Type B, nutrient foramina. The scapula is divided into three partitions that correspond to Types C to E in Category II. Category III includes only Type F, a mixture of Type A to Type E. The distribution, classifications and morphometric data for 336 unpaired dry scapulae from Chinese adults were analyzed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The interobserver reliability was excellent. Of 336 scapulae, 92 scapulae had 118 scapular foraminal defects. The incidence rate of scapular foraminal defects was 27.38%, of which Category I to III accounted for 2.81%, 16.96%, and 7.61%, respectively. The proportion of Types A-F was 7.61%, 19.57%, 9.78%, 10.87%, 40.22%, and 11.96%, respectively. The proportion of Type E was the most. The total diameters of Types A-F were (8.09±1.29), (1.98±0.80), (6.60±3.10), (11.19±6.67), (16.80±11.04), and   (17.43±13.88) mm, respectively. The total diameter of Type F was the largest. The total areas of Types A-F were (37.62±19.48), (2.13±2.23), (32.52±24.85), (77.56±124.32), (150.69±181.34), and (109.98±193.50) mm2, respectively. The total area of Type E was the largest. To conclude, variations in scapular foraminal defects are common, which require the attention of clinicians to avoid interfering with the diagnosis due to the appearance of scapular foraminal defects. Attention should also be paid to the treatment at the same time to avoid complications caused by invasive operation.

Key words: scapular foraminal defect, anatomy of the scapulae, morphology, variation in the scapula, classification