Abstract
AIM
The primary aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of incomplete scapula fossae ossification in a South African population, with a secondary aim of identifying the distribution of the incomplete ossification.
METHODLOGY
Data regarding the incomplete ossification of the scapula fossae were collected from 117 specimen individuals. The human scapula bones utilized were in the osteological collection housed in the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Modern Human Skeletons Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of Witwatersrand. Data collection took place in 2022 using the stratified random sampling technique to select the specimens. The data was captured using Microsoft®, Excel®, Office® 365 and the statistical analyses were conducted using the Fisher’s exact and McNemar’s tests.
RESULTS
Two hundred and six specimens were viewed, with a total of 56.79% (n=117) specimens falling within the inclusion criteria. A total of 11.97% (n=14) specimens presented with incomplete fossae ossification of either the supraspinous fossa, infraspinous fossa or both. Therefore, the prevalence of incomplete scapula fossa ossification within the sample group was 11.97% and age and sex had no statistical significance to the results.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that incomplete ossification of the scapula fossae occurs in both sexes and can be present at all ages in both the left and right scapulae. In addition, the distribution is not limited to one fossa or to one section within the fossa, and the distribution can occur in both fossae in the same scapula of an individual.
It is relevant to note that incomplete ossification of the scapula fossae does occur with a prevalence of over 11% and this may be applicable to therapeutic interventions such as dry needling.