Rhomboid Minor Detail

musculus rhomboideus minor detail

The rhomboid minor is smaller and superior to rhomboid major, attaching at the root of the scapular spine. Together with the major it retracts the scapula and rotates the glenoid downward.

Nerve: Dorsal scapular nerve (C4, C5) Blood Supply: Dorsal scapular artery Region: Chest

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7-T1
Insertion	Medial border of the scapula — at the root of the spine of the scapula
Nerve Supply	Dorsal scapular nerve (C4, C5)
Blood Supply	Dorsal scapular artery

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Retracts and elevates the medial scapular border at the spine level; Fixes the medial border of the scapula

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Rhomboid minor is addressed alongside the major in all scapular stabilisation programmes. In shoulder surgery via the medial approach (rare), the rhomboid minor is the most superior muscle encountered at the medial scapular border.

Palpation

Palpated at the superomedial scapular border during resisted scapular retraction.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Rhomboid Minor Involvement in Scapular Dyskinesis

Rhomboid minor weakness contributing to inferior scapular tip prominence and impaired scapular retraction in scapular dyskinesis syndrome.