Congenital bilateral absence of levator scapulae muscles: A case report

Abstract

The levator scapulae muscle is a thin, four-bellied muscle spanning the posterior neck and scapular region. Previous case reports have documented highly variable origins and insertions of this muscle, with the most common variations being additional slips and bellies. However, there are no previous reports demonstrating congenital absence of this muscle. Herein, we report dissection of a cadaveric specimen where the levator scapulae muscle was absent bilaterally. While bilateral congenital absence of the levator scapular appears to be an extremely rare occurrence, the absence of this muscle might put neurovascular bundles in the posterior neck and scapular region at increased risk from penetrating trauma or surgical procedures.