The inferior angle is the lowest point of the scapula, where the medial and lateral borders meet. It usually lies at the level of the seventh rib or seventh intercostal space and gives attachment to teres major and some fibres of latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Ossifies from a secondary centre appearing at puberty (about 14-16 years) and fusing with the body by about 20-25 years. |
The inferior angle is a useful surface landmark for counting ribs and for locating T7. Its movement is watched when assessing scapular dyskinesis and winging, which is most obvious at the inferior angle in serratus anterior palsy. Snapping scapula syndrome can arise from friction between the angle and the chest wall, sometimes from a bursa or osteochondroma.
Stand behind the person with their arms relaxed by their sides. Follow the medial border of the shoulder blade downward until it turns sharply upward and outward; the lowest tip is the inferior angle, normally level with the T7 spinous process. Ask the person to raise the arm slowly to feel the angle swing outward as the scapula rotates.
Grinding or popping under the scapula from friction between the inferior or superomedial angle and the ribs, sometimes caused by bursitis or a bony lump.
Long thoracic nerve palsy weakens serratus anterior, so the medial border and inferior angle lift away from the chest wall.
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