Medical Student Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Lewis Center, Ohio, United States
Abstract Body : Poland syndrome is a rare medical condition characterized by unilateral aplasia or hypoplasia of the pectoralis major and/or minor muscles. Previous studies have thoroughly described the classic presentation of this condition. The current study will detail the heterogeneity of this disease and outline changes unique to two individuals. Two cadavers with Poland syndrome were donated and dissected for the education of medical students and residents, and Grant’s Dissector text (17th edition) was used to systematically approach each dissection. Using this approach, subtle, unique differences were discovered in these individuals that have not been reported in previous publications of Poland syndrome. In both cadavers, a novel ligament was present that attached the coracoid process to the first rib. It was also noted in one cadaver, one of the sternocleidomastoid muscles had no clavicular attachment and was significantly smaller in width when compared to the opposite sternocleidomastoid muscle. Finally, the intermediate tendon of the omohyoid was much longer in these specimens than the average size. It is likely that these novel abnormalities are a result of systemic compensation for the pectoralis minor muscle aplasia. It is hypothesized that the ligamentous attachment of the coracoid to the first rib helps to stabilize the scapula to the thoracic wall as a replacement of the pectoralis minor muscle. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Poland syndrome and how an affected individual can compensate for their anatomical deficiencies.
