24 Length of coracoid 1-9G 45.3 4.7 35 54 42.3 3.0 36 47 48.3 3.4 41 53 b

25 Thickness of coracoid 1-9G 10.6 1.2 8 12 9.8 1.3 8 12 11.4 0.8 10 12 b

26 Distance from coracoid to notch 1-9G 50.7 4.8 40 58 47.7 3.0 40 52 54.0 3.6 48 58 b

aNumbers correspond to those used in figures; all measurements are in millimeters except 4 and 23, which are in degrees.

AP, anteroposterior; Max, maximum; Min, minimum; med, medial; ML, mediolateral; NS, not significant; Post, posterior; SI, superoinferior; SD, standard deviation.

bp < .05.

From von Schroeder HP, Kuiper SD, Botte MJ. Osseous anatomy of the scapula. Clin Orthop 383:131–139, 2001.

the upper portion of the neck of the scapula (see Figs.

1.6–1.8, and 1.9A, D, E, G; Table 1.1). It is located approximately 5.07 cm from the notch of the scapula (26). The

coracoid measures approximately 4.53 cm long and 1.06

cm thick. The base is broad and the anterior portion projects anteriorly. The coracoid process has a concave surface

that faces laterally. It is smooth to accommodate the gliding

of the subscapularis, which passes just inferior to it. The distal portion curves upward to angle more horizontally, and

its outer surface is rough and irregular for attachment of the

pectoralis minor. The pectoralis minor insertion is along the

anterior rim; the coracobrachialis and short head of the

biceps originate more laterally toward the tip. The clavipectoral fascia also attaches to the apex. The attachments of the

trapezoid and conoid ligaments are located just medial to

the pectoralis minor insertion. The coracoid is roughened

along this rim for the ligament and muscle attachments.

The coracoid process usually is palpable through the anterior deltoid, and can be used as a valuable bony landmark

The spine of the scapula spans from the medial border

(at the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the

medial border) of the scapula to the acromion (see Figs. 1.6,

1.7, and 1.9A–C). The length of the spine from the medial

edge to the lateral edge of the acromion is approximately

13.3 cm, with the length of the base 8.5 cm. The anteroposterior width of the spine at 1 and 4 cm from the medial

edge is 7 mm and 18 mm, respectively (26) (Table 1.1). The

upper and lower borders are rough to accommodate muscular attachments. The dorsal border forms the crest of the

spine. The crest of the spine is subcutaneous and easily palpable.

Borders of the Scapula

The scapula has three borders: superior, medial, and lateral

(see Figs. 1.6, 1.7, and 1.9A).

The superior border is the shortest and the bone here is

the thinnest. The edge can be somewhat sharp. The shape

of the border is concave, extending from the medial angle

to the base of the coracoid process. The scapular notch is a

semicircular groove in the rim of the superior border. It is

located at the lateral part of the superior border, with its

base approximately 3.2 cm from the superior rim of the glenoid (26). It is formed partly by the base of the coracoid

process. The superior rim of the suprascapular notch is

crossed by the superior transverse ligament. The ligament

may be ossified. The suprascapular notch has been shown to

exist as an osseous foramen in approximately 13% of specimens (26). The suprascapular nerve passes through the

suprascapular notch, which is transformed into a foramen

by the ligament. This is a potential area of suprascapular

nerve entrapment. The suprascapular artery passes dorsal to

the ligament, and does not enter the notch (28). The portion of the superior border adjacent to the notch also provides attachment for the omohyoid muscle.

The lateral border begins at or above the inferior margin

of the glenoid cavity (see Figs. 1.6, 1.7, and 1.9A). It

inclines obliquely downward and medially to the inferior

angle. Below the glenoid cavity, there is a roughed area, the

infraglenoid tubercle, which is approximately 2.5 cm long.

This area gives origin to the long head of the triceps brachii

muscle. The inferior third of the lateral border is thin and

sharp, and provides attachment of a portion of the teres

major posteriorly. The subscapularis originates anteriorly on

a portion of its anterior surface.