Scapulocostal (Scapulothoracic) Joint

Joe Muscolino

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    • 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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.

     

    Anterolateral view of the scapulocostal joint on the right side of the body.

    Anterolateral view of the scapulocostal joint on the right side of the body.