Superior transverse scapular ligament

Last edited and medically reviewed by on

Synonyms
superior transverse ligament of the scapula

The superior transverse scapular ligament is a narrow band that spans the scapular notch.

Anatomy

The superior transverse scapular ligament connects both sides of the scapular notch. The suprascapular nerve runs inferior to the superior transverse scapular ligament.

Clinical Relevance

The superior transverse scapular ligament can cause compression of the suprascapular nerve at the scapular notch, thereby causing scapular notch syndrome. Ossification of the ligament may represent a risk factor for the development of this syndrome1.

Images

Ligamentum transversum scapulae superius intraoperatively
Visualization of the ligamentum transversum scapulae superius before its division during surgery for suprascapular notch syndrome. Portions of the retractor placed in the operative field can be seen on the left.

Ligamentum transversum scapulae superius intraoperatively
Visualization of the ligamentum transversum scapulae superius before its division during surgery for suprascapular notch syndrome. The ligament is located directly above the forceps.

References

    1. Polguj, Michał, et al. "Morphological and radiological study of ossified superior transverse scapular ligament as potential risk factor of suprascapular nerve entrapment." BioMed research international 2014 (2014). ↩ ↩

    Editorial transparency

    Authorship & revisions

    Who created and updated this article, and which changes are documented.

    Article created by
    Last edited:
    on
    Revision history
    2 edits · 1 contributor
    Author list:
    Show revision history 2 entries

    2 edits by 1 author

    Edit · Alaric Steinmetz ·

    No content change recorded

    Article created on · Alaric Steinmetz

    Image viewer

    Image

    Open original