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Anatomy of the Scapula

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Disorders of the Scapula and Their Role in Shoulder Injury

Abstract

Ideal scapular function reflects its complex anatomy and in turn is foundational for all shoulder function. The scapula plays a multitude of roles. Anatomically, it is the “G” of the glenohumeral (GH) joint and the “A” of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Physiologically, it is the “S” of scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR), the coupled and coordinated movement between the scapula and arm that allows the arm to be placed in the optimum position and motion to accomplish tasks. Biomechanically, it provides a stable base for muscle activation, a moving platform to maintain ball-and-socket kinematics, and an efficient link between the core, which develops force, and the arm, which delivers the force. Critical to these roles is normal scapular motion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Lexington Clinic Orthopedics—Sports Medicine Center, The Shoulder Center of Kentucky, 1221 South Broadway, Lexington, KY, 40504, USA

    Trevor Wilkes MD & W. Ben Kibler MD

  2. Athletic Training Education Program, Eastern Kentucky University, 228 Moberly Building, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY, 40475, USA

    Aaron D. Sciascia PhD, ATC, PES (Assistant Professor)

Authors
  1. Trevor Wilkes MD
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  2. W. Ben Kibler MD
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  3. Aaron D. Sciascia PhD, ATC, PES
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Trevor Wilkes MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Lexington Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    W. Ben Kibler

  2. Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, USA

    Aaron D. Sciascia

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Wilkes, T., Ben Kibler, W., Sciascia, A.D. (2017). Anatomy of the Scapula. In: Kibler, W., Sciascia, A. (eds) Disorders of the Scapula and Their Role in Shoulder Injury. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53584-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53584-5_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-53582-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-53584-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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