- Identify, clean and reflect the trapezius muscle in the superior direction (cut the attachments to the vertebral spinous processes and scapular spine and acromion). (G 1.24;N 409;Gl 25.20A)
- Identify, clean and reflect the deltoid muscle laterally (cut the attachments to the scapular spine and acromion) leaving its attachments to the humerus and clavicle. (G 2.38;N 409;Gl 25.20B)
- Identify and clean the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. (G 2.33C;N 411;Gl 25.21B) Make a vertical cut through the two muscles at the midpoint of the scapular spine. Reflect the muscles laterally to expose the posterior aspect of the joint capsule.
- Identify and clean the supraspinatus muscle. (G 2.33C;N 411;Gl 25.21B) Blunt dissect along the anterior border of the muscle and palpate the transverse scapular ligament. Transect the supraspinatus just medial to the transverse scapular ligament and reflect the muscle laterally. Fully expose and clean the transverse scapular ligament, coracoclavicular ligament and clavicle. (G 2.33E;N 411;Gl 25.13B)
- Trace and clean the supraspinatus tendon to its humeral attachment by removing the subacromial bursa and associated fat pad. (G 2.33E;N 411;Gl 25.23D)
- Make a vertical incision in the joint capsule to expose the glenoid labrum. The humeral head may be removed to better display the glenoid labrum and tendon (long head) of the biceps brachii muscle. (G 2.46C;N 413;Gl 25.13B)
