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The greater and lesser rhomboid muscles
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Large and small rhomboid muscles - m. rhomboideus major et minor
They move the scapula toward the spine and partly upward. They also rotate the scapula medially, lowering the glenoid cavity downward. These muscles assist in strong adduction and extension of the shoulder, stabilizing the scapula.
Origin: spinous processes of the VI-VII cervical vertebrae and I-IV thoracic vertebrae.
Attachment: Margo medialis scapulae
Innervation: spinal nerves C5-C6 - n. dorsalis scapulae
Diagnosis: The rhomboid muscles are best examined with the patient seated in a chair with the arms hanging forward. In this position, the scapulae are spread apart. Trigger zones are palpated along the medial border of the scapula. Deep palpation of the trigger zone can elicit referred pain, but a local spasmodic response is extremely rare. Once the boundaries of the rhomboid muscles have been defined, the examiner can identify the taut bands containing the trigger zone by deep palpation across the muscle fibers with the patient in a comfortable position.
Referred pain: Concentrated along the vertebral edge of the scapula between the scapula and the paravertebral muscles.