A Unique Anatomical Variant of the Levator Scapulae Muscle: A Case Report

Adegbenro Omotuyi John Fakoya; Samantha Michelle De Filippis; Aaron D’Souza; Gabriela Arizmendi-Vélez; Ariel Jazmine Rucker; Nihal Satyadev; Nithin Ravikumar; Abayomi Gbolahan Afolabi; Thomas McCracken; David Otohinoyi

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2020.4608

Authors

Adegbenro Omotuyi John Fakoya Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Samantha Michelle De Filippis Medical Student, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Aaron D’Souza Medical Student, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Gabriela Arizmendi-Vélez Medical Student, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Ariel Jazmine Rucker Medical Student, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Nihal Satyadev Medical Student, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Nithin Ravikumar Medical Student, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Abayomi Gbolahan Afolabi Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Thomas McCracken Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
David Otohinoyi Department of Research, All Saints University, College of Medicine, Saint Vincent and Grenadines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2020.4608

Keywords:

Levator scapulae muscle, Anatomical variation, Head-and-neck anatomy, Cervical vertebrae, Thoracic kyphosis, Cervical dystonia, Torticollis

Abstract

Musculature variations in the head and neck are typically observed in cadaveric dissections. Some of these variations could involve the levator scapulae muscle, which may lead to cervical and postural misalignment. The levator scapulae function to elevate the scapula and rotate it downward. In this case report, we present an 88-year-old male cadaver diagnosed with thoracic kyphosis having a double-bellied levator scapulae, originating from the transverse processes of C1-C4 and the mastoid process. This abnormality, not found elsewhere in our search of literature, can give physicians insight into upper back pain management and surgical navigation of the posterior cervical and upper back regions.

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