Abstract
Axillary arch muscles are often found. In their course through this area, they might interfere with regional neurovascular structures. This case report will examine the presence of the axillary arch muscle and its implication in brachial plexus compression. During routine dissection of the left axilla and upper limb, a variant muscle (axillary arch muscle) was identified arising from the distal tendon of the latissimus dorsi and extending laterally to insert onto the deep surface of the tendon of insertion of the deltoid muscle. In adduction of the upper limb, the muscle was lax without compression of any underlying neurovascular structures. However, in abduction, the aberrant band of muscles compressed the proximal branches of the brachial plexus. Clinicians should be aware of this anatomical variant and its clinical significance in neurovascular compression including brachial plexus compression, thoracic outlet syndrome, and hyperabduction syndrome. This literature will review the anatomy of the axillary arch and its clinical correlate regarding signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in brachial plexus compression.
Highlights
In adduction of the upper limb, the muscle was lax without compression of any underlying neurovascular structures
Clinicians should be aware of this anatomical variant and its clinical significance in neurovascular compression including brachial plexus compression, thoracic outlet syndrome, and hyperabduction syndrome
The most common anatomical variant found in axilla is the axillary arch muscle, known by various terms including: Langer’s arch, Langer’s muscle, achselbogen, axillopectoral muscle, arcus axillans, and pectorodorsalis muscle [1,2,3]
Summary
The most common anatomical variant found in axilla is the axillary arch muscle, known by various terms including: Langer’s arch, Langer’s muscle, achselbogen, axillopectoral muscle, arcus axillans, and pectorodorsalis muscle [1,2,3] This variant is described as a thin flat musculotendinous band originating from the anterior portion of the latissimus dorsi and traveling anteriorly to insert into various regions of the upper extremity [4]. During routine dissection of the left axilla and upper limb, a variant muscle (axillary arch muscle) was identified arising from the distal tendon of the latissimus dorsi and extending laterally to insert onto the deep surface of the tendon of insertion of the deltoid muscle (Figure 1). The attachments of this aberrant muscle are seen at the latissimus dorsi and deltoid muscles
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