The root of the spine of the scapula is the medial end of the scapular spine, where it meets the medial border as a small, smooth triangular area. The lower fibres of trapezius glide over it on a small bursa as they run to the spine. With the arms relaxed at the sides it lies level with the T3 spinous process.
| Articulations |
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| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Forms with the rest of the spine of the scapula from the primary ossification centre of the scapular body, which appears in about the 8th week of fetal life. |
The root and the inferior angle are the two points most often marked when measuring scapular position, rotation and distance from the spine in shoulder and posture assessment. A root sitting further from the midline on one side suggests a protracted or winged scapula. The dorsal scapular nerve and artery run close to the medial border at this level, deep to the rhomboids.
Stand behind the person with their arms relaxed. Find the spine of the scapula, the bony ridge running across the upper part of the shoulder blade, and follow it medially toward the spine. Where the ridge flattens into a small smooth triangle at the medial border, usually 5-7 cm from the midline, you are on the root. Slide straight across to the midline to find the T3 spinous process.
Altered resting position or movement of the scapula, seen as asymmetry of the roots and inferior angles, linked with shoulder pain and impingement.
Grinding or clunking along the medial border during shoulder movement, from bursitis or bony irregularities between the scapula and chest wall.
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