- The scapulocostal joint, also known as the scapulothoracic joint, is not a typical osseous anatomic joint.
- It is formed by the scapula and the thoracic rib cage wall.
- It allows axial and nonaxial motions.
- elevation/depression (nonaxial)
- retraction/protraction (nonaxial)
- upward rotation / downward rotation (axial)
NOTES:
- The scapulocostal joint is not a typical osseous anatomic joint. It is NOT two bones connected directly to each other by fibrous or cartilaginous tissue, or by a bilayer synovial capsule. In other words, it is NOT a fibrous joint, nor a cartilaginous joint, nor a synovial joint. Rather, the scapula and thoracic rib cage wall are united via multiple muscle attachments.
- For this reason, anatomists often state that it is NOT a joint, rather it is a functional interface. However, a physiologist would say that the primary function of a joint is to have movement of one bone or body part relative to another, therefore it IS a joint.
- The scapulocostal joint is directly involved with the postural distortion pattern known as rounded shoulders, which is part of a larger postural distortion pattern known as upper crossed syndrome.