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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2010; 14(2): 106-121
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253155
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Muscle Variants of the Upper and Lower Limb (with Anatomical Correlation)

Carlo Martinoli1 , Maribel Miguel Perez2 , Luca Padua3 , 4 , Maura Valle5 , Enrico Capaccio1 , Luisa Altafini1 , Johan Michaud6 , Alberto Tagliafico1
  • 1Cattedra di Radiologia–DISC, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
  • 2Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (C Bellvitge), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
  • 3Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus
  • 4Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
  • 5Department of Radiology, Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy
  • 6Department of Physiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 May 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Several accessory muscles in the upper and lower limb have been described in the medical literature. Most are asymptomatic and represent incidental findings at imaging. In some instances, however, these muscles may become clinically relevant producing palpable swelling, entrapment of neurovascular structures, or exercise-related pain. The diagnosis of accessory muscles is based on recognition of their typical location and on cross-sectional imaging features. Familiarity with their most common location and knowledge of the possible clinical syndromes caused by these supernumerary structures may aid in diagnosis and treatment.

KEYWORDS

Muscle anatomy - accessory muscles - ultrasound - magnetic resonance imaging

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Carlo MartinoliM.D. 

Department of Radiology, Cattedra di Radiologia–DISC

Largo Rosanna Benzi 8, I-16132 Genova, Italy

Email: carlo.martinoli@libero.it