Circumflex Scapular Artery (Detail)

arteria circumflexa scapulae (aspectus detailiatus)

The circumflex scapular artery arises from the subscapular artery and passes through the triangular space (bounded by teres major, teres minor, and the long head of triceps) to divide into cutaneous and deep branches on the posterior scapular surface. It is the dominant vessel of the parascapular and scapular fasciocutaneous flaps used in reconstructive surgery.

Anatomical Data

Course & Branches

Origin	Subscapular artery
Course	Passes backward through the triangular space between teres minor, teres major and the long head of triceps, then winds around the lateral border of the scapula into the infraspinous fossa
Branches	Infraspinous branch Cutaneous branches (scapular and parascapular) Branches to subscapularis Branches to teres major and minor

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The circumflex scapular artery is the pedicle for the parascapular flap, scapular flap, and chimeric scapular-latissimus flaps used for complex reconstructive procedures. Its course through the triangular space is the anatomical basis for scapular artery angiography in suspected quadrilateral space syndrome. The triangular space through which it passes is distinct from the quadrilateral space (transmitting the posterior circumflex humeral artery) and the triangular interval (transmitting the radial nerve). Doppler mapping before flap elevation confirms patency.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Triangular Space Compression

Entrapment of the circumflex scapular artery in the triangular space producing posterior shoulder aching and scapular region numbness, distinguishable from quadrilateral space syndrome by its medial location and absence of deltoid or teres minor involvement.

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