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Medial border of scapula

The medial border of the scapula, also known as the vertebral border, is the long, thin edge of the scapula that lies closest to the vertebral column. It plays a critical role in anchoring the scapula to the axial skeleton through muscular attachments and serves as an important landmark in shoulder anatomy, posture, and imaging.

It is particularly relevant in evaluating scapular positioning, winging, and muscular insertions in both clinical and radiological practice.

Synonyms

  • Vertebral border of the scapula

  • Spinal border of the scapula

Location

  • Extends from the superior angle to the inferior angle of the scapula

  • Runs parallel to the thoracic vertebral column

  • Located medial to the scapular body

  • Opposite the lateral (axillary) border

  • Deep to the scapular muscles and superficial to the rib cage

Anatomical components

  • Thin, elongated osseous margin of the scapular body

  • Superior angle: Upper termination of the medial border

  • Inferior angle: Lower termination of the medial border

  • Muscle attachment sites:

    • Levator scapulae (upper portion)

    • Rhomboid minor and major (along length)

    • Serratus anterior (anterior surface near the border)

Relations

Posteriorly:

  • Trapezius muscle (superficial)

  • Rhomboid major and minor muscles

Anteriorly:

  • Serratus anterior muscle

  • Thoracic rib cage

Medially:

  • Thoracic vertebral column

Laterally:

  • Scapular body and spine of scapula

Superiorly:

  • Superior angle of scapula

Inferiorly:

  • Inferior angle of scapula

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP scapula, chest views):

  • Medial border: Thin curvilinear bony line parallel to the spine

  • Visibility: Best seen on AP scapular or chest radiographs

  • Contour: Smooth and continuous outline

  • Position: Useful for assessing scapular alignment and winging

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Medial border: Sharp, thin cortical edge of the scapula

  • Cortical margins: Smooth and well defined

  • Trabecular pattern: Normal cancellous bone of the scapular body

  • Spatial relationship: Clearly seen in relation to ribs and vertebrae

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Marrow of scapular body: High signal

  • Medial border: Well delineated against adjacent muscles

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortex: Low signal

  • Adjacent muscles: Intermediate signal

  • Intermuscular planes: Clearly visualized

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Uniform suppression of marrow fat

  • Muscle attachments: Well seen against suppressed marrow

  • Soft-tissue contrast: Enhanced visualization of scapulothoracic interface

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Bone marrow: Suppressed fat signal

  • Muscle–bone interface: Clearly depicted

CT VRT 3D image

Medial border of scapula

X-Ray image

Medial border of scapula x ray anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000