Clavicular Facet Of The Scapula In Anterior View

Description

Acromion of the scapula is presented from an anterior perspective, highlighting the clavicular facet (facies articularis clavicularis), the small oval articular surface on the medial margin of the acromion for the acromial end of the clavicle. Medial to this facet, the acromion blends into the flattened acromial base and the superior border of the scapular spine, while inferiorly the broad costal surface opens into the subscapular fossa. Lateral and slightly inferior to the acromion, the glenoid cavity forms the scapular component of the glenohumeral joint, with the coracoid process projecting anterosuperiorly as a palpable landmark for the coracoacromial arch. Focus on the clavicular facet keeps attention on the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, a frequent pain generator after direct shoulder trauma and a common site of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and distal clavicle osteolysis. The fixed anterior view helps you teach why superior displacement of the clavicle in Rockwood type III or higher injuries reflects disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid and trapezoid), even though their insertions lie more medial and inferior on the coracoid and clavicle. Edges and curvature at the articular surface are easy to read. That supports correlation with plain radiographs, CT, and MRI of the AC joint. Orthopaedic texts and surgical teaching files can pair this illustration with discussions of AC joint separation, hook plate fixation, and distal clavicle excision (Mumford procedure), where preserving nearby deltotrapezial fascia matters for postoperative stability. It also fits upper limb anatomy labs and shoulder modules in physiotherapy and sports medicine curricula when introducing the scapula as part of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.