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Scapular body

The scapular body is the broad, flat central portion of the scapula, extending between the superior, medial, and lateral borders. It forms the largest part of the scapula and contributes to the posterior thoracic wall. The body provides extensive surfaces for muscular attachment and plays a key role in the stability and motion of the shoulder girdle.

The scapular body is divided by the spine of the scapula into the supraspinous fossa (above) and the infraspinous fossa (below). The anterior surface of the scapular body forms the subscapular fossa, which accommodates the subscapularis muscle. Its lateral continuation forms part of the glenoid process, articulating with the humeral head.

Muscle attachments include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor, and teres major. The scapular body serves as a protective shield over the posterior thoracic wall and provides stability for shoulder mechanics.

Fractures of the scapular body are uncommon but usually result from high-energy trauma and are often associated with rib or thoracic injuries.

Synonyms

  • Corpus scapulae

  • Body of scapula

  • Scapular blade

Function

  • Provides structural support to the shoulder girdle

  • Serves as a broad attachment site for multiple rotator cuff and scapular muscles

  • Protects the posterior thoracic wall

  • Transmits mechanical loads from the arm to the trunk

  • Contributes to shoulder stability and mobility

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone appears hypointense (black)

  • Marrow cavity: intermediate signal intensity

  • Useful for evaluating bone marrow replacement or infiltration

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: persistently low signal

  • Marrow: variable, with edema or tumor showing increased signal

  • Helps identify fractures, contusions, and marrow lesions

PD-FS (Proton Density Fat-Suppressed):

  • Fat suppression highlights bone marrow edema, occult fractures, and soft tissue injury

  • Sensitive for detecting muscle-tendon attachment injuries around the scapula

STIR:

  • Strong fat suppression, highly sensitive for bone marrow edema, osteomyelitis, or infiltrative lesions

  • Useful in trauma and infection

T1 Post-Gadolinium (with fat suppression):

  • Normal bone does not enhance, but pathological marrow lesions, tumors, or infection enhance

  • Highlights adjacent soft tissue involvement

  • Differentiates benign vs malignant lesions in scapular body

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Imaging:

  • Provides 3D views of the scapular body and its relationship to the glenoid and acromion

  • Useful for surgical and orthopedic planning in fractures and reconstruction

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Best modality for fracture evaluation, cortical detail, and 3D reconstruction

  • Demonstrates bone displacement, comminution, and relationship to thoracic cage

CT Post-Contrast:

  • Primarily used when evaluating for tumors, infection, or vascular involvement

  • Helps differentiate osseous lesions from adjacent vascular/soft tissue structures

MRI images

scapular body MRI axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

scapular body MRI SAG IMAGE

CT image

scapular body CT axial image -img-00000-00000