Unknown variant of the accessory subscapularis muscle?

Abstract

AbstractActing in medial rotation of the arm, the subscapularis (SM) is the most powerful and largest muscle of the rotator cuff. It is morphologically variable, especially in the number of tendons, place of insertion, and number of bellies, and it is sometimes fused with another muscle. An accessory subscapularis muscle (ASM) is among the morphological variations of the SM, but it is a really rare variant. The present case describes a very rare ASM that is divided into proximal tendinous attachment, intermediate fleshy muscular belly and distal tendinous attachment. Its origin is located on the lateral border of the scapula, but some fibers are connected with the muscular part of the SM. Its distal attachment is fused with the capsule of shoulder joint, above the tendinous insertion of the SM. Such an arrangement allows for greater stabilization of the joint. Moreover, there is a possibility that it could be used during treatment of ruptured SM tendons.