Neck Of The Scapula

Description

Scapular neck (collum scapulae) forms the constricted bony bridge between the glenoid cavity laterally and the thicker scapular body medially. From a dorsal, posterolateral perspective, the glenoid process sits at the lateral angle, with the neck tapering just medial to the glenoid rim and inferior to the base of the coracoid process. Superiorly, the scapular spine runs obliquely toward the acromion, while inferiorly the infraspinous fossa expands across the posterior blade, emphasizing how compact the neck appears against the broad scapular body. A narrow corridor. Cortical contours around the lateral border and adjacent infraglenoid region are typically prominent in this view. Scapular neck anatomy matters in trauma classification and operative planning, because fractures through the collum scapulae can dissociate the glenoid segment from the scapular body and alter glenohumeral alignment even when the humeral head remains seated. Surgeons assessing a floating shoulder pattern (scapular neck fracture with ipsilateral clavicle fracture) often track displacement relative to the scapular spine, lateral border, and glenoid, so a fixed posterior view that separates the neck from the surrounding blade helps clarify where the fracture line would propagate and where plates or screws must avoid the glenoid articular surface. Spatial relationships to the coracoid base and the spinoglenoid region also support teaching of suprascapular nerve vulnerability in posterior shoulder pain syndromes. Use this illustration in orthopedic teaching files on scapular fractures, in atlas plates covering the pectoral girdle, or in surgical counseling materials explaining why certain neck fracture patterns can change shoulder biomechanics. It also reads well in radiology education when correlating scapular Y or axillary projections with surface landmarks of the scapular blade and glenoid segment. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.