INTRODUCTION: Anatomical variants observed during the posterior approach to the elbow joint require special attention due to their clinical relevance. We aim to present a compendious review of described variants potentially encountered during the posterior approach towards the elbow joint to the experts in the elbow surgery. METHODS: A narrative review of surgical and anatomical textbooks, as well as search of scientific databases was carried out. RESULTS: Variability of the subcutaneous nerves is important during incision planning. Accessory muscles such as dorsoepitrochlearis, chondroepitrochlearis, epitrochleoanconeus, subanconeus or supernumerary flexor carpi ulnaris may confuse even the senior surgeon during the dissection and possibly complicate the fracture reduction. Some bony variants such as supratrochlear foramen may lead to fracture or possibly interfere with the osteosynthesis placement. Accessory bones are also present in the region of the elbow joint. Those situated intra-articular may present with symptoms. CONCLUSION: Many variants can be encountered in the area of the elbow joint and their knowledge is essential to truly understand its anatomy. The presented review enables easier orientation in the current literature with the aim on the posterior approach towards the elbow joint.

• Klíčová slova
• Accessory bones, Chondroepitrochlearis, Dorsoepitrochlearis, Epitrochleoanconeus, Posterior approach, Subanconeus, Ulnar nerve, Variability around elbow joint,
• MeSH
• kosterní svaly chirurgie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• loket inervace   MeSH
• loketní kloub * anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• poranění lokte * MeSH
• předloktí chirurgie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Nomenclature of the general and variant anatomy belongs to the most neglected parts of the Latin anatomical nomenclature in Terminologia Anatomica. Although many important small structures are included in Terminologia Anatomica, when describing and teaching particular anatomy of any part of the human body, the general terms are necessary, such as planes, lines and flexion grooves. Moreover, Terminologia Anatomica contains only 149 terms of variant structures, enlisted in the parentheses to differentiate them from constant ones. They are only a rather representative selection and some more should be added, both from the educational and clinical point of view. The authors present some terms, completed with their definitions or explanations concerning the general and variant anatomy to evoke broader discussion on this topic which should issue in incorporation of proposed terms (or their equivalents) into the Terminologia Anatomica.

• Klíčová slova
• Anatomical nomenclature, Anatomical terminology, Anatomical variations, General anatomy,
• MeSH
• anatomická variace * MeSH
• anatomie normy   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• terminologie jako téma * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH