The superior transverse scapular ligament in fetuses.
Introduction. The superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) links the margins of the suprascapular notch and converts it into a foramen, through which, the suprascapular nerve and, on some rare occasions, the suprascapular vessels pass. This conversion often results from partial or complete ossification of the STSL and may produce compressive symptoms in the suprascapular nerve. Material and Method. Twenty shoulders from human fetuses were dissected without the aid of optical instruments and, using a digital pachymeter of precision 0.01 millimeters, length measurements and thickness measurements were made. The fetal age was from 21 to 33 weeks of gestation, with a mean of 27.6 ± 4.14 weeks. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in STSL length or any difference in the thicknesses at the medial and lateral extremities between the halves of the body (P ≥ 0.05). However, in the left half of the body, the medial extremity of the STSL was significantly thinner than the lateral extremity (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. Anatomical and morphometric details about the STSL were described in human fetuses. These findings, in fetuses, may encourage the pursuit of further studies to understand the morphofunctional role and meaning of this small ligament.
Department of Morphology and the Postgraduate Physical Education and Applied Health Sciences Program, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, Cidade Universitária Professor José Aloísio de Campos, 49100-000 São Cristovão, SE, Brazil ; School of Medicine, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Avenida Murilo Dantas 300, Farolândia, 49032-490 Aracaju, SE, Brazil.
José Aderval
JA
Aragão
School of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, Cidade Universitária Professor José Aloísio de Campos, 49100-000 São Cristovão, SE, Brazil.
Luiza Neves de Santana
LN
Teles
School of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, Cidade Universitária Professor José Aloísio de Campos, 49100-000 São Cristovão, SE, Brazil.
Ana Bárbara de Jesus
AB
Chaves
School of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, Cidade Universitária Professor José Aloísio de Campos, 49100-000 São Cristovão, SE, Brazil.
Jéssica Cândida Oliveira
JC
Prado
School of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, Cidade Universitária Professor José Aloísio de Campos, 49100-000 São Cristovão, SE, Brazil.
Priscila Soares
PS
Pereira
School of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n, Jardim Rosa Elze, Cidade Universitária Professor José Aloísio de Campos, 49100-000 São Cristovão, SE, Brazil.
João Gabriel Lima
JG
Dantas
School of Medicine, Tiradentes University (UNIT), Avenida Murilo Dantas 300, Farolândia, 49032-490 Aracaju, SE, Brazil.
Francisco Prado
FP
Reis