Joints and ligaments · Upper limb
Spinoglenoid ligament !
The spinoglenoid ligament is a small band on the back of the shoulder blade that roofs the suprascapular nerve on its way to the infraspinatus.
Official name: Inferior transverse scapular (spinoglenoid) ligament
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What it is
A thin band at the base of the scapular spine.
What it does
Roofs the path of the suprascapular nerve to the infraspinatus.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Lateral spine of the scapula to the glenoid margin
- Function
- Covers the suprascapular nerve on its way to infraspinatus
- Tight in
- Not joint-dependent
Relations
- Deep
- Suprascapular nerve (infraspinatus branch) and the suprascapular artery, passing through the spinoglenoid notch
- Medial
- Lateral border of the scapular spine
- Lateral
- Back of the glenoid neck and the posterior shoulder capsule, close to the posterosuperior glenoid labrum
- Superficial
- Infraspinatus
How to find it
Not palpable: it lies under the posterior deltoid and infraspinatus, where the lateral edge of the scapular spine meets the back of the glenoid neck. In a posterior approach it is found by lifting infraspinatus off the scapular neck.
Examination
- External rotation strength with the arm at the side: isolated weakness with wasting below the scapular spine, but normal abduction strength, suggests a lesion at the spinoglenoid notch
On imaging
MRI shows a paralabral (ganglion) cyst in the notch, often with a posterosuperior labral tear, and denervation oedema or atrophy confined to infraspinatus; ultrasound can find the cyst and guide its aspiration.
Clinical notes
- Paralabral cysts form when joint fluid escapes through a labral tear; repairing the labrum, with decompression of the cyst, relieves the nerve
- Some studies suggest the ligament tightens in cross-body adduction with internal rotation, the follow-through of a serve or spike, which may compress the nerve
- The suprascapular nerve lies close to the back of the glenoid at this notch, so posterior approaches and posterior glenoid fixation stay near the rim
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which muscle weakens with nerve compression under the spinoglenoid ligament?
Only infraspinatus (external rotation); supraspinatus is spared, unlike entrapment at the suprascapular notch.
What lesion commonly compresses the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch?
A paralabral cyst, often from a posterosuperior labral tear.
Which athletes typically develop compression under the spinoglenoid ligament?
Volleyball players.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamentum transversum inferius scapulae TA2 1742
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamento transverso inferior de la escápula
- English (TA2)
- Inferior transverse scapular (spinoglenoid) ligament
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Suprascapular Nerve.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
