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Updated: May 4, 2026
10:07
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
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Blood flow changes of the anterior humeral circumflex artery decrease with the scapula in internal rotation
Yoshihiro Hagiwara1, Kenji Kanazawa2, Akira Ando2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan. hagi@med.tohoku.ac.jp.
Summary
Internal rotation of the scapula reduces blood flow in the anterior humeral circumflex artery, potentially contributing to shoulder pathologies. This study investigated blood flow changes and anatomical features related to scapular position.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Poor posture is linked to scapular kinematics and shoulder diseases.
- Understanding blood flow dynamics in shoulder arteries is crucial for diagnosing and treating shoulder pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate blood flow changes in the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex arteries based on scapular position.
- To identify anatomical features influencing these blood flow variations.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of cadaveric shoulders to examine arterial anatomy.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) evaluation of blood flow in 113 healthy shoulders across different scapular positions (internal and external rotation).
Main Results:
- The anterior humeral circumflex artery is attached to the subscapularis tendon.
- The posterior humeral circumflex artery allows free movement during scapular motion.
- Internal scapular rotation led to decreased blood flow in the anterior humeral circumflex artery compared to the posterior.
Conclusions:
- No direct extraosseous anastomoses were found between the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex arteries.
- Reduced blood flow in the anterior humeral circumflex artery during internal scapular rotation may be implicated in shoulder pathologies.
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