The fossa can be exposed by the removal of skin and the superficial fascia of the back and the trapezius muscle.

Distal attachment of the levator scapulae muscle is also on the medial aspect of the fossa.

Hollowing in the supraspinous and the infraspinous area is frequently seen as chronic rotator cuff tear resulting in wasting.

Such wasting or hollowing can be differentially diagnosed as nerve compression or tendon rupture.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 203 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)