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Topic

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Neck of scapula

The neck of the scapula is the slightly constricted portion surrounding the glenoid cavity, connecting the glenoid process to the body of the scapula. It is most prominent on the anterior surface, where it appears as a narrowed region forming the transition between the lateral angle (glenoid) and the scapular body.

The neck provides attachment for the joint capsule of the shoulder and serves as an important landmark in scapular fractures. The supraglenoid and infraglenoid tubercles, located adjacent to the neck, give origin to the long heads of the biceps and triceps muscles, respectively.

Clinically, fractures through the neck of the scapula may disrupt the glenoid orientation, leading to shoulder instability. Its close relation to the suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, and posterior circumflex humeral vessels makes injury here significant in trauma.

Synonyms

  • Surgical neck of scapula (colloquial, but less precise than humeral surgical neck)

  • Collum scapulae

  • Constricted portion of scapula near glenoid

Function

  • Provides structural continuity between the glenoid cavity and scapular body

  • Serves as an attachment site for the shoulder capsule

  • Transmits mechanical forces between glenoid/humerus and scapular body

  • Acts as a landmark in scapular and shoulder fracture classification

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: low signal intensity

  • Subcortical marrow: intermediate signal

  • Neck margins clearly visible due to surrounding fat and soft tissue planes

T2-weighted images:

  • Normal cortical bone: dark signal

  • Cartilage and joint capsule attachments visible at the glenoid margin

  • Pathology (e.g., fracture, edema) appears bright in marrow and soft tissues

PD-FS (Proton Density Fat-Suppressed):

  • Provides high sensitivity for marrow edema and trabecular fractures in the scapular neck

  • Capsule, cartilage, and labrum attachments appear hypointense, with pathology highlighted as hyperintense

  • Useful in trauma and instability evaluation

STIR:

  • Suppresses fat signal, highlighting bone marrow edema, occult fractures, or inflammatory changes around the scapular neck

  • Sensitive for acute trauma detection

T1 Post-Gadolinium (MR Arthrography or Contrast MRI):

  • Contrast enhances capsule, labral tears, and adjacent soft tissues at the glenoid rim

  • Enhancing marrow or periosteum may indicate tumor, infection, or inflammation

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Imaging:

  • Provides detailed 3D morphology of the glenoid–scapula junction

  • Useful in preoperative planning for fracture fixation or arthroplasty

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Excellent for defining cortical detail, scapular neck fractures, and glenoid orientation

  • Multiplanar reconstructions show displacement, angulation, and fracture lines

CT Post-Contrast (CT Arthrography):

  • Enhances visualization of joint capsule, labrum, and periarticular structures at the scapular neck

  • Helps in identifying associated capsulolabral injuries with scapular neck fractures

  • 3D reconstructions assist with surgical planning for fixation or replacement

CT images

neck of scapula anatomy CT axial image -img-00000-00000

CT images

neck of scapula anatomy CT sagittal image -img-00000-00000

MRI image

neck of scapula MRI axial image -img-00000-00000

CT VRT image

Neck of scapula 3d image