A very rare case of an accessory subscapularis muscle and its potential clinical significance

Surg Radiol Anat. 2021 Jan;43(1):19-25. doi: 10.1007/s00276-020-02531-6. Epub 2020 Jul 12.

Abstract

The subscapularis muscle is the largest muscle of the rotator cuff and its main function is internal rotation. It is morphologically variable in both point of origin and insertion. The presence of an accessory subscapularis muscle can lead to brachial plexus neuropathy. This report presents a very rare accessory subscapularis muscle originating from two distinct bands on the subscapularis and teres major muscles. The insertion was divided among four tendons. The fourth tendon is bifurcated. One of these was connected to the tendon of the subscapularis muscle and the other three inserted into the base of the coracoid process of the scapula. This anomalous muscle has the potential to entrap the nerves of the posterior cord such as the axillary, lower subscapular, and thoracodorsal nerves.

Keywords: Accessory subscapularis muscle; Compression syndrome; Lower subscapular nerve; Quadrangular space syndrome; Rotator cuff; Subscapularis muscle; Subscapularis tendon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anatomic Variation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rotator Cuff / anatomy & histology*