engleski

Extremely rare sternocleidomastoid variation – significance in reconstructive surgery

Background: Typically, the sternocleidomastoid muscle consists of two heads: a sternal head originating from the manubrium sterni and a clavicular head originating from the medial third of the clavicle with the lesser supraclavicular fossa between the heads. As the heads ascend, the clavicular head spirals behind the sternal head, and inserts on the mastoid process, while the sternal head, which is more oblique, reaches the superior nuchal line of occipital bone. Case presentation: During routine anatomical dissection, in one cadaver we have noticed a sternocleidomastoid muscle whose heads were completely separated and the presence of a supernumerary head. An accessory head originated between two typical heads, covered the lowest part of the lesser supraclavicular fossa, then proceeded laterally and more superficially than the cleidomastoid head, crossed the cleidomastoid head, and finally shared its insertion point with the sternoocipital head. Conclusion: We present a case of supernumerary sternocleidomastoid heads not described in the literature, which completely changes the lateral neck anatomy, and therefore has great clinical significance as a result of changes to anatomical landmarks, which is significant while performing invasive procedures. Additionally, a supernumerary head may prove useful in head and neck corrective surgery, prevention of Frey’s syndrome and treatment following poliomyelitis infection. On the other hand, a supernumerary head may lead to misdiagnosis of a neck mass and even lead to torticollis.

anatomical variation, sternocleidomastoid muscle

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