Anatomical variation of co-existing bilaminar tensor of the vastus intermedius muscle and new type of sixth head of the quadriceps femoris

Abstract

Background: We present a case report of quadriceps femoris (QF) with co-existing bilaminar tensor of the vastus intermedius (TVI) muscle and new type of sixth head.

Materials and methods: Cadaveric dissection of left thigh of a 72-year-old man was performed for research and teaching purposes at the Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz. The left lower limb was dissected using standard techniques according to a strictly specified protocol. Each head of the muscle was photographed and subjected to further measurement.

Results: During dissection, an unusual type of TVI muscle was observed. It consisted of two surfaces, superficial and deep. In addition, sixth head of QF muscle grew out from the vastus medialis muscle.

Conclusions: The knowledge of the existence and possible variations of additional heads of QF muscle is necessary during diagnostic process of muscle strains. Moreover, according to course of tendons that heads may take part in patella stabilisation.

Keywords: anatomical variations; knee joint; quadriceps femoris; tensor vastus intermedius.