Like their connected bones, the scapulae are paired, with each scapula on either side of the body being roughly a mirror image of the other. Scapula fractures represent less than 1% of all broken bones and many of. Acromion projects forward from the top of the scapula and along with the coracoid process, forms the roof of the shoulder. Scapula, glenoid fossa, multifragmentary three or more fracture lines 14f2. A patients guide to scapula shoulder blade disorders and snapping scapula introduction. Pdf the scapula or shoulder blade is the bone that connects the clavicle to the humerus. The scapula, a flat triangular bone, articulates with the distal clavicle and humeral head and has numerous muscular and ligamentous attachments. The collarbone clavicle, the shoulder blade scapula, and the upper arm bone humerus.
Scapula fractures represent less than 1% of all broken bones and many of them can be treated without surgery. Rosemont, il, american academy of orthopaedic surgeons, 1993, pp 271281. Pain indicates tendinitis of the tendons of the rotator cuff, usually the. Scapula shoulder blade fractures the shoulder blade scapula is a triangularshaped bone that is protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles. In most cases shoulder blade scapula fractures can be treated with immobilization utilizing a sling, but if the bone shifted or fails to heal properly surgery may be required. In anatomy, the scapula plural scapulae or scapulas, also known as the shoulder bone, shoulder blade, wing bone or blade bone, is the bone that connects the humerus upper arm bone with the clavicle collar bone. Damage to the long thoracic nerve is a classic cause of medial scapula winging 2. Scapula, also called shoulder blade, either of two large bones of the shoulder girdle in vertebrates. There are actually four joints that make up the shoulder. Highenergy, blunt trauma injuries, such as those experienced in a motorcycle or motor vehicle collision or falling from a significant height, can cause a scapula fracture.
The acromioclavicular joint connects the upper part of the shoulder blade the acromion to the collarbone. The results of this study demonstrate that scapula anatomy is highly variable. The anatomy of the shoulder the shoulder a complex joint the basics. Scapular shoulder blade problems and disorders orthoinfo aaos. The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone located at the back of the trunk and resides over the posterior surface of ribs two to seven. A scapulas posterior surface is crossed obliquely by a prominent ridge, the spine, which divides the bone into two concave areas, the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae. The acromion is the extension of scapula shoulder blade around the shoulder joint at the rear to from a roof. The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone located at the back of the trunk and resides over the posterior surface of ribs two to.
The scapula and arm are connected to the body by multiple muscle and ligament attachments. Explore and learn about the scapula with our 3d interactive anatomy atlas. Glenoid size was observed to be significantly different between male and female scapula. Clavicle fracture association with scapula winging is a rare entity. Due to the complex anatomy of the scapula body and its processes and moreover the crucial importance for the connection of the upper limb to the chest wall decisionmaking and operative treatment belongs in the hands of an experienced orthopedic or trauma surgeon. Glenoid, is the depression at the end of scapula that forms the socket of ballandsocket shoulder joint.
The shoulder blade is a flat bone with three anglesthe upper superior, bottom inferior and lateral glenoid angle and three bordersthe superior, lateral axillary and medial vertebral border picture 3 on the back side of the shoulder blade, at about twothirds of its height, a bony ridge called the. Robert lewis maynard, noel downes, in anatomy and histology of the laboratory rat in toxicology and biomedical research, 2019. Osseous structures of interest are the scapula, humerus and clavicle. The head of the humerus upper arm bone is the ball and the scapula shoulder blade forms the socket where the humerus sits. Netters concise atlas of orthopedic anatomy is an easytouse reference and compact atlas of orthopedic anatomy for students and clinicians. There are reports of scapula winging in association with malunions and nonunions of acromian fractures. The shoulder blade scapula is a triangularshaped bone that is protected by a complex system of surrounding muscles. The scapula serves as a site for multiple muscular origins and insertions and is thin and triangular shaped with three distinct borders superior, axillary, and vertebral and three angles. Clavicle collarbone scapula shoulder blade humerus upper arm bone most ball and socket joints are constructed of a large socket into which the ball fits nicely which is a very stable structure. The scapula forms the posterior of the shoulder girdle. Pain, swelling and bruising are the most common symptoms. The place where movement occurs, including the following. The scapula, better known as the shoulder blade, is a triangular bone that serves as a joining force between the clavicle and the humerus. Osseous anatomy of the scapula request pdf researchgate.
Direct trauma is usually the cause of most scapula fractures. Lying over the posterior chest wall, it is an integral part of the connection between the upper extremity and the axial skeleton via the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, as well as the. Only about 10 percent of scapula fractures require surgery. The flat blade of the scapula glides along the back of the chest allowing for extended movement of the arm. Short bones consist of spongy bone covered with a thin layer of compact bone play an important role in shock absorption and transmission of forces example. The acromioclavicular ac joint is a gliding joint formed between the clavicle. Ucsf orthopaedic institute 1500 owens street ste 170. Level one for the general orthopedic or trauma surgeon and level two for the advanced.
Fractures of the scapula acta chirurgiae orthopaedicae et. The main shoulder joint, called the glenohumeral joint, is formed where the ball of the humerus fits into a shallow socket on the scapula. Surgical treatment of winged scapula article pdf available in clinical orthopaedics and related research 4663. Prevalence of scapula winging in clavicle fractures is less than 0. Netters concise orthopaedic anatomy 2nd edition pdf is amazing. In humans they are triangular and lie on the upper back between the levels of the second and eighth ribs. Qualificationsare optional and applied to the fracture code where the asterisk is located as a lowercase letter within rounded brackets. The shoulder blade scapula is a large membranous bone involved in shoulder motion and stabilization. Tendinitis supraspinatus supraspinatus tendinitis is a common inflammatory condition of the shoulder that. The shoulder is made up of several layers, including the following. The front of the scapula acromion is also connected to the clavicle collarbone through the acromioclavicular joint. The scapula is the large triangularshaped bone at the back of your.
The scapulae moves on the back of the chest wall posterior thorax to account for one third of shoulder motion. If an injury or condition cause the muscles around the shoulder blade to become weak or imbalanced, it can alter the position of the scapula at rest or in motion. Shoulder anatomy and function twin palm orthopedics. It is crucial, clinically and surgically, to have a clear understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the scapulothoracic articulation when treating scapulothoracic bursitis and scapulothoracic crepitus. Scapula fracture shoulder blade fracture johns hopkins. The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone located in the back. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness of the shoulder, stiffness of the shoulder or night time shoulder pain, give us a call 9722505700 or make an. Scapulothoracic anatomy and snapping scapula syndrome. Anatomy of the shoulder health encyclopedia university. It occurs in a large number of injuries involving the shoulder joint and often is caused by injuries that result in the inhibition or disorganization of activation patterns in scapular. Orthopedics snapping scapula syndrome is a rare condition caused by the disruption of the gliding articulation between the anterior scapula and. However, it may not always be clear what the surgeon, who bears the responsibility for treating the injured patient, really needs to know about the injury to predict outcomes and plan management. Sick scapula sports and orthopaedic specialists view this information in pdf format. At first glance, the clavicle seems to act as an anterior strut to define the distance between the torso and the scapula.
This bone is located posteriorly on the back half of the body. Scapula the shoulder blade, is a large flat, triangular bone which forms the back portion of the shoulder girdle. The acromion springs like the head of a golf club from the spine of the scapula, extends anterior to the glenoid fossa and carries a small subsidiary process, the. However, there is no true bony attachment from the scapula to the axial skeleton. The upper part of the humerus ball fits into the socket portion of the scapula called the glenoid. The scapula, along with the clavicle and the manubrium of the sternum, make up the pectoral shoulder girdle which connects the upper limb of the appendicular skeleton to the axial skeleton.
Scapula anatomy study with consideration to reverse. Functional anatomy of the shoulder complex journal of. I bought it as a physician assistant student about to begin my orthopedic rotation and have continued to use it working as a surgical ortho pa. Request pdf osseous anatomy of the scapula detailed anatomy and. The three bones that make up the shoulder joint include the clavicle collarbone, scapula shoulder blade, and humerus long bone of the arm. The shoulder blade scapula is a triangularshaped bone that is protected by a. It begins at the vertical vertebral or medial border border by a smooth, triangular area over which the tendon of insertion of the lower part of the trapezius glides, and, gradually becoming more elevated, ends in the acromion, which overhangs the shoulderjoint the spine is triangular, and flattened from above downward, its apex being directed toward the vertebral border. It connects the humerus bone of the arm to the collarbone. Only those structures which are of specific clinical importance will be focused on. The shoulder has two joints that work together to allow arm movement. Treating shoulder blade scapula fractures in plano.
Choose from 500 different sets of scapula flashcards on quizlet. Shoulder orthopedic conditions muir orthopaedic specialists. Fractures are classified based on the anatomical location on the scapula with fracture occurred. At the simplest level, the shoulder is a ball and socket joint. A sick scapula will result in scapular dyskinesis which is an alteration in the normal position or motion of the scapula during coupled scapulohumeral movements. Introduction shoulder girdle is formed by scapula and clavicle and humerus upper end. The shoulder comprises bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that connect the arm to the torso. Each chapter is dedicated to an anatomical region very well divided, covering that regions anatomy and most common pertinent conditions. The only skeletal connection of upper limb to trunk is claviclescapula is connected only through muscular attachments. Netters concise atlas of orthopaedic anatomy uotbih.
There are also two important joints that allow for movement. Clinical management of scapulothoracic bursitis and the. The scapula or shoulder blade is the bone that connects the clavicle to the humerus. The scapula is a flat bone figures figures1 1 and and2 2 that rests on the posterolateral aspect of the thoracic cavity overlying ribs 2 through 7 1, 3. The scapula plays an important role in stabilizing the other bones involved in the rhythm of shoulder motion.