title: Variation of the latissimus dorsi.
abstract: A typical muscle variation of latissimus dorsi - the axillary arch is represented by the muscular or fibromuscular slip detached from the anteroinferior border of the musculus latissimus dorsi passing over the axilla under the axillary fascia crossing the medial side of the brachial plexus to continue as a septum intermusculare mediale brachii distally to the medial epicondyle of humerus. The full extent of the muscle is rarely present. Slips of muscle extend from the latissimus dorsi at the inferior angle of scapula to insert into pectoralis major (Langer), coracobrachilis, biceps or coracoid process forming what is described as a common variant - the muscular axillary arch. We report three cases of variants of latissimus dorsi, one of which has not been reported in the literature before.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Ishani P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yadav
authors.affiliation: Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Shushrusha Citizens' Co-op Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Rujuta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.affiliation: Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Shushrusha Citizens' Co-op Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery Bombay Hospital and Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Mukund
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thatte
keywords: Axillary arch; latissimus dorsi; shoulder muscle transfer; variant