US Medical Term · anatomy
Scapula
Escápula
Also: Omóplato (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Scapula |
| Spanish (Español) | Escápula |
| Chinese (中文) | 肩胛骨 |
| Korean (한국어) | 견갑골 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Xương bả vai |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Balikat na buto (scapula) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Escápula |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กระดูกสะบัก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 肩甲骨 |
What it means
The scapula, commonly called the shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular bone located on the upper back on each side of your body. It connects the upper arm bone (humerus) and the collarbone (clavicle) and serves as an anchor point for many muscles of the shoulder, upper back, and arm. The scapula moves freely to allow a wide range of shoulder motion, including lifting, reaching, and rotating the arm. Fractures of the scapula are relatively rare and usually result from high-energy trauma. Winging of the scapula — where it sticks out from the back — can occur if certain nerves or muscles are damaged. Shoulder pain and stiffness often involve the scapula and surrounding muscles.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have pain around my shoulder blade — the doctor wants to check my scapula.
Tengo dolor alrededor del omóplato — el médico quiere revisar la escápula.
My shoulder blade sticks out and the doctor called it a winged scapula.
El omóplato sobresale y el médico lo llamó escápula alada.
Did I fracture my scapula from the fall, or is it just a muscle injury?
¿Me fracturé la escápula con la caída, o es solo una lesión muscular?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026