The axillopectoral muscle, usually called Langer's axillary arch instead of Langer's arm arch, is a supernumerary muscle and is the principal anatomic variation of the axilla. Three cases of the muscle were observed originating from latissimus dorsi crossing over the axillary neurovascular bundle and inserting deep to the insertion of pectoralis major or into the coracoid process. Clinicians should be aware of its existence as it can give rise to different pathologies. It should be recognised and excised to expose the axillary artery and vein in patients with trauma and to perform axillary lymphadenectomy or axillary bypass. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses or in a history of intermittent axillary vein obstruction. If the muscle causes problems its excision should be curative.
Injuries to the superior gluteal nerve are very bad complications in hip surgery. An exact knowledge of its course may be helpful in avoiding such problems. Nineteen half pelvises from ten male and female adult cadavers were dissected. Dissections revealed that the nerve divided into two (89.48%) or three (10.52%) branches after leaving the pelvis. The more caudal branch was responsible for innervation of tensor fascia latae. The distance and the angle from the entry points of all branches of the superior gluteal nerve into the deep surface of the gluteus medium and minimus muscles to the mid-point of the superior border of the greater trochanter were measured. The branch that innerved the tensor fascia latae was also followed. These data were subjected to several statistical tests. Based on these findings, and in order to prevent nerve damage, we propose to define a 2-3 cm safe area above the great trochanter.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.