Scapular lateral rotation

Last revised by Edward Zhou on 7 Oct 2021

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Zhou E, Hacking C, Scapular lateral rotation. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 18 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-93791

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-93791

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/93791

rID:

93791

Article created:

6 Oct 2021, Edward Zhou

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Edward Zhou had no recorded disclosures.

Last revised:

7 Oct 2021, Edward Zhou

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Edward Zhou had no recorded disclosures.

Revisions:

2 times, by 2 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Sections:

Anatomy

Synonyms:

Scapular lateral rotation describes the rotation of the scapula (scapulothoracic joint) such that the glenoid fossa faces upwards - thus it may also be called upward rotation. This motion allows elevation of the humerus as seen in abduction of the arm. It is almost always associated with scapular protraction. It is important to note that scapular movement does not occur in isolation - it requires movement at the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints. Its opposite movement is medial rotation.

The muscles primarily responsible for lateral rotation are the trapezius and the serratus anterior. Some resistance to motion is provided by the rhomboid major and minor muscles ^1,2.