Anatomical Structure And Location Of The Spinoglenoid Notch

Description

Spinoglenoid notch anatomy is centered on the posterolateral scapula where the lateral end of the scapular spine meets the glenoid region, forming a concavity that connects the supraspinous fossa superiorly with the infraspinous fossa inferiorly. From a posterior oblique viewpoint, the scapular spine runs laterally toward the acromion, while the notch sits just medial to the posterior rim of the glenoid and inferior to the base of the acromion. The infraspinous fossa occupies most of the posterior surface inferior to the spine, and the supraspinous fossa lies smaller and superior, separated by the prominent ridge of bone. Clinicians care about this notch because it is a common site of suprascapular nerve entrapment at the distal course of the nerve, classically affecting the infraspinatus while sparing most supraspinatus function. Isolated infraspinatus atrophy, weakness in external rotation, and posterior shoulder pain often trace back to compression beneath the spinoglenoid ligament, frequently associated with a paralabral cyst from a posterosuperior labral tear. The fixed posterior-lateral perspective helps you localize the notch relative to the glenoid and scapular spine, a relationship that guides both MRI interpretation and safe placement of portals during arthroscopic cyst decompression or labral repair. Orthopaedic and sports medicine teaching sets can pair this illustration with rotator cuff anatomy to explain patterns of denervation and selective muscle wasting. Anatomy faculty often place it alongside posterior scapular landmarks for surface anatomy labs and for exam items on the suprascapular nerve course from the suprascapular notch to the spinoglenoid notch. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.