Infraspinous Fossa Of The Scapula, Lateral View

Description

Infraspinous fossa anatomy dominates the posterior surface of the scapular body in this lateral shoulder view, lying inferior to the scapular spine and expanding toward the medial border as a shallow, slightly concave triangular depression. Laterally, the scapular neck and glenoid cavity sit anterior to the fossa, while the acromion projects superiorly from the spine to overhang the glenohumeral joint. The lateral (axillary) border forms the thickened margin between the fossa and the glenoid region, converging toward the inferior angle. Subtle bony relief along the spine and posterior surface helps orient left versus right scapulae in a fixed frame. Infraspinous fossa topography matters because it defines the broad origin of the infraspinatus, a primary external rotator and stabilizer of the humeral head, and it frames the posterior approach corridor used in open and arthroscopic shoulder procedures. Posterior scapular landmarks also guide interpretation of scapular body fractures and spine fractures on radiographs and CT, injuries that alter rotator cuff mechanics and can complicate rehabilitation after trauma. Clean separation of the spine, acromion, and glenoid rim in a lateral perspective makes it easier to teach where the posterior rotator cuff sits relative to the glenohumeral joint line. Bone landmarks are unforgiving. Orthopedic texts and surgical teaching files often need a single scapular image to annotate posterior portals, acromial and scapular spine landmarks, and the infraspinatus origin when discussing rotator cuff tears, scapular dyskinesis, or postoperative anchoring considerations. Gross anatomy and kinesiology courses can pair this illustration with posterior shoulder dissection plates and with physical exam content on external rotation strength and posterior shoulder pain patterns. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.