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Superior border of scapula

The superior border of the scapula is the thin, sharp upper margin of the scapula extending from the superior angle medially to the base of the coracoid process laterally. It forms an important anatomical boundary of the shoulder girdle and contains key landmarks involved in neurovascular transmission and muscular attachment.

It is a significant reference point in shoulder anatomy, orthopedic imaging, and surgical planning.

Synonyms

  • Upper border of the scapula

  • Superior margin of the scapula

Location

  • Forms the uppermost edge of the scapula

  • Extends from the superior angle medially to the coracoid process laterally

  • Situated posterior to the clavicle

  • Superior to the supraspinous fossa

  • Inferior to the trapezius muscle and clavicle

Anatomical components

  • Thin osseous margin of the scapula

  • Suprascapular notch:

    • A key indentation along the superior border

    • Converted into a foramen by the superior transverse scapular ligament

  • Adjacent processes:

    • Coracoid process laterally

    • Superior angle medially

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Subclavius region and soft tissues of the root of the neck

Posteriorly:

  • Trapezius muscle

  • Supraspinatus muscle (deep)

Superiorly:

  • Clavicle and supraclavicular soft tissues

Inferiorly:

  • Supraspinous fossa of the scapula

Laterally:

  • Base of the coracoid process

Medially:

  • Superior angle of the scapula

Structures related to the superior border

  • Suprascapular notch

  • Superior transverse scapular ligament

  • Suprascapular nerve (passes beneath the ligament)

  • Suprascapular artery and vein (usually pass above the ligament)

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP shoulder and scapular views):

  • Superior border: Thin curvilinear bony outline

  • Suprascapular notch: May be seen as a small indentation

  • Coracoid process: Visible as a hook-like projection at the lateral end

  • Best demonstrated on: AP scapula and outlet views

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Superior border: Sharp, well-defined cortical margin

  • Suprascapular notch: Clearly visualized as a cortical defect or groove

  • Bone texture: Normal cortical and trabecular pattern

  • Anatomical detail: Excellent delineation of notch morphology and coracoid base

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Marrow within scapula: High signal

  • Superior border contour: Clearly defined

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortex: Low signal

  • Surrounding soft tissues: Intermediate to high signal

  • Suprascapular notch region: Well seen with adjacent neurovascular structures

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Uniform suppression of marrow fat

  • Superior border: Well delineated against surrounding soft tissues

  • Suprascapular region: Clearly visualized

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Bone marrow: Fat suppressed

  • Cortical margin: Low signal

  • Suprascapular nerve and vessels: Better appreciated in relation to the notch

  • Soft-tissue contrast: High for peri-scapular structures

CT VRT 3D image

Superior border of scapula

X-Ray image

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

CT image

Superior border of scapula ct