The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) functions as a landmark for physicians
such as anatomists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and anaesthesiologists,
who intervene in the minor supraclavicular fossa located at the base of
the neck. The variability of SCM anatomy may cause complications while trying
to access the vital elements that are located in the minor supraclavicular fossa.
This study aims to present a case of supernumerary heads of the sternocleidomastoid
muscle and to discuss its clinical significance.
The cervical region of an elderly male cadaver was dissected and the findings
were recorded and photographed.
On both sides, the SCM muscle had an additional sternal head, and simultaneously
there were three additional clavicular heads, four in total. These additional
heads, the sternal and the clavicular, reduced the interval between them
causing significant stenosis of the minor supraclavicular fossa.
Sternocleidomastoid muscle variations with regard to the number of its heads
are very rare in the literature, but this variation may cause severe complications.
The minor supraclavicular fossa is important for anaesthesiologists because
of the anterior central venous catheterization approach. Physicians should
be aware of this anatomical variation in order to prevent complication
