Posterior Perspective of the Scapula of a Human Male With Multiple Fractures

Description

Seen from a posterior perspective, the left scapula (shoulder blade) sits on the posterolateral thoracic wall with the scapular spine running transversely to divide the supraspinous fossa superiorly from the infraspinous fossa inferiorly. Fracture lines scatter across the infraspinous fossa and approach the lateral border toward the glenoid region, where the scapula will articulate with the head of the humerus. Medially, the vertebral (medial) border parallels the thoracic spinous processes, while adjacent ribs provide depth and orientation. Posterior scapular fractures matter because they usually signal high-energy trauma and they sit in the neighborhood of structures that drive shoulder function. Disruption of the scapular spine and infraspinous fossa changes the origin platform for infraspinatus and teres minor, altering external rotation mechanics and complicating rehab expectations. Pattern recognition also guides management: extension toward the glenoid neck or acromion raises concern for a floating shoulder (combined scapular neck and clavicular injury) and can change operative versus nonoperative decision-making. A hard teaching point. Many “isolated” scapular fractures are not isolated clinically. Use this illustration in trauma anatomy lectures, orthopedic and radiology teaching files (CT correlation for scapular body, spine, and neck fractures), and surgical education focused on posterior shoulder approaches and fixation planning. It also fits medical publishing needs for chapters on scapular fractures, rotator cuff biomechanics, and shoulder girdle stability. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.