Scapular Region Learning Objectives

Summarize collateral circulation at the scapula

If a major blood vessel is blocked (subclavian artery), blood is able to redirect through branches and flow in a retrograde manner to pass the blockage

Neurovascular contents of the Medial Border of Scapula

Dorsal Scapular Nerve, Dorsal Scapular Artery

Location of Quadrangular Space

4 borders: Teres Minor (superiorly), Long head of Triceps Brachii (medially), Teres Major (inferiorly), Shaft of Humerus (laterally)

Neurovascular contents of the Quadrangular Space

Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery and Axillary Nerve

Border of Scapular Notch

Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament closes off the scapular notch on superior border

Contents of Scapular Notch

Suprascapular Artery (superficial/above Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament), Suprascapular Nerve (deep/below Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament)

Location of Triangular Space

3 borders: Teres Minor (superiorly), Teres Major (inferiorly), Long head of Triceps Brachii (lateraly)

Vascular Contents of Triangular Space

Circumflex Scapular Artery

Location of Triceps Hiatus

3 borders: Long Head of Triceps Brachii (medially), Shaft of Humerus/Lateral head of Triceps Brachii (laterally), Teres Major (superiorly)

Neurovascular Contents of Triceps Hiatus

Radial Nerve, Profunda Brachii Artery

Describe a shoulder separation

Acromioclavicular ligament (and in severe cases, coracoclavicular ligament) is torn; causes clavicle to move over acromion and the acromion is free to move inferiorly and damage the glenohumeral joint

Describe a shoulder dislocation

Head of the humerus pops out of the glenoid fossa (inferiorly then migrates anteriorly)

Describe the location of the subacromial space

Inferior to the acromion process

Describe the contents of the subacromial space

Supraspinatus tendon and Subacromial bursa occupy this space

What neurovascular structure would be injured based on bone fractures located at the medial border of the scapula

Dorsal Scapular Nerve, Dorsal Scapular Artery

Describe the Location of the Subacromial bursa

Inferior to the acromion process

Describe the function of the Subacromial bursa

Reduces friction between the acromion process and supraspinatus tendon

Describe the location of the Subdeltoid bursa

Located on the greater tubercle

Describe the function of the subdeltoid bursa

Reduces friction between the deltoid tendon and the greater tubercle

Describe the location of the Subtendinous bursa of the subscapularis

Inferior to the coracoid process

Describe the function of the subtendinous bursa of the subscapularis

Reduces tension between subscapularis and the coracoid process