Upper Extremity - Palpation List

Question 1

Spine of Scapula

Answer 1

prominent bony ridge along the upper lateral back
approximately T3

Question 2

Medial border of the scapula

Answer 2

from the medial spine, follow the bony ridge inferiorly

Question 3

inferior angle of scapula

Answer 3

the terminal aspect of the medial border
approximately T7

Question 4

Posterior angle of the acromion

Answer 4

the most lateral aspect of the spine of the scapula

Question 5

sternal notch

Answer 5

midline V-shape indentation above the sternum

Question 6

sternoclavicular joint and clavicle

Answer 6

sternoclavicular joint is ~1cm inferior-lateral from the Sternal Notch
clavicle is the S-shaped bone that runs toward the shoulder

Question 7

lateral edge of acromion and V-notches

Answer 7

the most lateral aspect of the spine and scapula

Question 8

coracoid process

Answer 8

inferior to the clavicle in the infraclavicular fossa, hold arm in ext

Question 9

lesser tubercle

Answer 9

feel laterally from the coracoid process until you hit a bony ridge

Question 10

subscapularis

Answer 10

between coracoid and lesser tubercle

Question 11

biceps

Answer 11

lateral to the lesser tubercle in the intertubercular grove

Question 12

supraspinatus

Answer 12

superior to the line of the biceps on the greater tubercle
easier to palpate in extension and IR (arm behind back)

Question 13

infraspinatus

Answer 13

course under the spine and attaches to the posterior aspect of the great tubercle
- done prone on elbows

Question 14

Teres minor

Answer 14

running mediolateral, 2 cm inferior to the spine of the scapula
- done prone on elbows