Bilateral fibrous replacement of subclavius muscle in relation to nerve and artery compression of the upper limb

Georgi P. Georgiev

Abstract

Here, we report an interesting case of bilateral fibrous structures found in the costoclavicular space of a 58-year-old male cadaver during routine anatomical dissection. On the left side, a strong fibrous band extending between the inferior surface of the lateral two-thirds of the clavicle and the coracoid process to the medial end of the first rib was found. On the right side, a similar but thinner structure was discovered. On both sides the variant fibrous structures replacing the subclavius muscle, reduced the costoclavicular space thus led to a possible entrapment site for the brachial plexus and the subclavian/axillary vessels, and may be involved in the development of thoracic outlet syndrome.