The pathology of the shoulder is among the most widespread medical presentations and may be a result of existing anatomical variations. Therefore, the knowledge of the variations is vital for physicians and clinicians, tasked with treating patients presenting similar complaints to minimize misdiagnosis and prevent iatrogenic injuries. Therefore, the main objective of the present systematic review the variations in pectoralis minor muscle origin and insertion/attachment point. The study also seeks to better inform physicians and clinicians of the task of treating patients with various pathology problems and to ascertain that, upon identification, the pectoralis minor muscle variants are aptly appreciated. The search method used in this systematic review entails the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, and the searching of several online databases, for studies focusing on variations in pectoralis minor muscles. The author reviewer evaluated the studies for eligibility, and the selection criteria for the studies used are described below. This systematic review has disclosed that, in some individuals, the pectoralis minor muscles have their origins in the second, third, and fourth ribs, even as others have their origin in the third and fourth ribs. Still, the systematic review has disclosed that, in certain individuals, the insertion of the pectoralis minor muscle occurs at the supraspinatus tendon, even as there are anomalies in the pectoralis minor insertion points linked to subacromial impingement, possible compression of the brachial plexus anteromedial and the axillary artery, and the subcoracoid impingement.
Keywords: coracoid process; glenohumeral joint capsule; pectoralis minor muscle; scapula; shoulder joint capsule.
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