Scapular retraction

Last revised by Edward Zhou on 7 Oct 2021

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Zhou E, Hacking C, Scapular retraction. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-93779

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-93779

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/93779

rID:

93779

Article created:

6 Oct 2021, Edward Zhou

Disclosures:

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

View Edward Zhou's current disclosures

Last revised:

7 Oct 2021, Edward Zhou

Disclosures:

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

View Edward Zhou's current disclosures

Revisions:

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

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Sections:

Anatomy

Synonyms:

Scapula retraction
Scapula adduction
Retraction of the scapula
Adduction of the scapula

Scapular retraction describes the backward movement of the scapula about the thoracic wall (scapulothoracic joint). As the scapula moves towards the midline it can also be referred to as scapular adduction. The opposite motion is scapular protraction.

The muscles that act as primary movers are the trapezius (horizontal and lower fibres) and the rhomboid major and minor muscles. Subclavius and pectoralis minor serve to control this motion by decelerating the upper limb (which elevates during retraction) ^1,2.