Abstract

Variants of the deltoid muscle and of the muscles of the rotator cuff are reviewed starting from a case study. This case shows partial fusion of the teres minor and the infraspinatus muscles. From literature, it is known that partial or total fusion of these muscles is present in almost 25. Besides an additional bundle to origin of which lies deep on the infraspinous fossa, can be observed on the left deltoid muscle. This rarity is called a costodeltoid muscle. Resemblance to such muscular trajectory can be found in animals. Different variants within the rotator cuff are described in human anatomy. Recent advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), however, add some new elements. We expect that in the near future, MRI will make it possible to enlarge the number of observations of anatomical variants, which may improve the knowledge of their clinical importance, with worthwhile applications in sports medicine. Verf.-Referat