Anat Cell Biol.  2023 Sep;56(3):398-400. 10.5115/acb.23.118.

Unusual insertion of the levator scapulae muscle: a case report

• Kim SH
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2546469
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.23.118

Abstract

The current case report describes an uncommon insertion of the levator scapulae (LS), which broadly attaches to multiple structures, including the serratus posterior superior, ligamentum nuchae, and the 6th and 7th spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. The most superior portion of this aponeurosis merged with the ligamentum nuchae at the C7 level. The middle and inferior portions of the head were inserted (or fused) into the tendon of the rhomboid minor as well as the fibers of the serratus posterior superior muscle. Consequently, recognizing this anatomical variation, characterized by an additional slip of the LS attaching to the 7th vertebra and other muscular structures, is crucial not only for anatomists but also for surgeons performing procedures on the posterior neck related to cervical or shoulder pain and cervical dystonia.

Keyword

Levator scapulae; Unusual insertion; Accessory head; Cervical dystonia

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The left image illustrates the accessory head’s attachment to the ligamentum nuchae and the C7, encompassing the RMi and SPs (A). The right image presents a lateral view of the accessory head, outlined by white dashed lines (B). LS, levator scapulae; SPs, serratus posterior superior muscles; RMi, rhomboid minor; SC, splenius capitis muscle; RMa, rhomboid major muscle; C7, 7th cervical vertebra.

Reference

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