Upper Limb Points For Palpation

Suprasternal notch

Locate the two medial ends of the clavicles and move your fingers into the central dip between them.

Sternoclavicular joint

Locate the suprasternal notch, then move laterally onto either medial clavicular end to feel the joint line.

Clavicle

Start at the sternoclavicular joint and follow the clavicle laterally along its length until you reach the acromion

Coracoid process

Locate the lateral clavicle and move inferiorly, then slightly medially. Just below the lateral third of the clavicle.Slightly laterally to the glenohumeral joint

Palpate deeply and gently to feel the small, hook-like bony projection.

Spine of scapula

Bony ridge across the upper back

Locate the medial border of the scapula and follow the prominent ridge laterally until it meets the acromion.

Acromion

Bony prominence at the top of the shoulder, forming the roof of the shoulder joint.

Locate the spine of the scapula and follow it laterally until it widens into the acromion. Palpate across its flat superior surface and identify its anterior and lateral edges.

Acromioclavicular joint

Joint between the lateral clavicle and the acromion.

Follow the clavicle laterally until you reach its junction with the acromion. Palpate the small gap between the two bones and gently move the shoulder to identify the joint line.

Inferior angle of scapula

Pointed bottom tip of the scapula on the back of the ribcage.

Locate the medial border of the scapula and follow it inferiorly along the ribcage. Palpate until you reach the pointed inferior angle, confirming its position with gentle shoulder movement.

Greater tuberosity of humerus

Bony prominence on the outer side of the upper humerus, just below the acromion.

Locate the lateral edge of the acromion and move inferiorly onto the proximal humerus. Place your fingers over its lateral aspect and gently internally and externally rotate the arm to feel the tuberosity move.

Lesser tuberosity of humerus

Small bony prominence on the front of the proximal humerus, medial to the bicipital groove.

Locate the bicipital groove on the anterior humerus between the greater and lesser tuberosities. Palpate just medial to the groove while gently externally rotating the arm to feel the lesser tuberosity move beneath your fingers.

Bicipital groove

With the patient sitting, locate the anterior humerus just inferior to the shoulder. Place your fingers over the bicipital groove and ask the patient to perform an isometric elbow flexion against resistance. Feel the long head of the biceps tendon become prominent beneath your fingers within the groove.

Glenohumeral joint line

The joint line is located just inferior to the tip of the coracoid process and lies deep to the deltoid muscle. It is usually 2–3 cm medial to the lateral edge of the acromion.