Circumflex scapular vein

Looks like

A vein winding round the outer edge of the shoulder blade, with the artery of the same name.

What it does

Drains the muscles on the back of the shoulder blade into the subscapular vein.

Keeping it well

Its artery and vein carry the scapular flap, a skin flap used in reconstruction.

Related conditions

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Shoulder dislocation
• Varicose veins