An accessory middle scalene muscle causing thoracic outlet syndrome

Abstract

The aim of our study is to present a very rare accessory middle scalene muscle, leading to thoracic outlet syndrome. In particular, a muscular bundle was discovered on a male cadaver connecting the middle portion of the middle scalene muscle with the anterior scalene muscle insertion to Lisfranc`s tubercle. This triangular accessory muscle and, especially, its sharp medial border compressed the middle and lower trunk of the brachial plexus and the subclavian artery. This anomaly is of great importance because it emphasises the fact that it is not primarily the anterior scalene muscle that produces symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome but the anterior displacement of the middle scalene muscle or its accessory muscular bands. We also present the relative international literature and the clinical significance of our finding.