Although the term articularis cubiti muscle is incorporated in the official anatomical nomenclature, only sparse data about its appearance are available. It is usually described as few fibres originating from the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle and inserting to the capsule of the elbow joint. However, the most recent observations regarding the morphological relations in the posterior elbow region point towards the absence of a well-defined muscle. Therefore, this study was designed to verify the existence of the articularis cubiti muscle in question and to compile more data on the topographical features of the subtricipital area near the posterior aspect of the elbow. To address these questions, 20 embalmed upper limbs were dissected, and seven samples were collected for histological analysis. The laboratory findings were then correlated with 20 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the elbow. Consequently, a narrative review of literature was performed to gain more information on the discussed muscle in a historical context. Upon the anatomical dissection, muscular fibres running from the posterior aspect of the shaft of the humerus to the elbow joint capsule and olecranon were identified in 100% of cases. Histologically, the connection with the joint capsule was provided via winding bands of connective tissue. On MRIs, the muscular fibres resembled a well-demarcated thin muscle located underneath the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle. Combined with the review of literature, we concluded that the constant articularis cubiti muscle originates from the posterior shaft of the humerus and attaches indirectly to the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule and directly to the superior portion of the olecranon. The obtained results slightly differ from the modern description, but are in agreement with the original publication, which has become misinterpreted throughout time. Presumably, the misused description has led to questioning the existence of an independent muscle. Moreover, our findings attribute to the articularis cubiti muscle, a function in pulling on the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule to prevent its entrapment, and possibly also a minor role in extension of the forearm. The presented results should be taken into consideration when intervening with the posterior aspect of the elbow joint because the articularis cubiti muscle poses a consistently appearing landmark.

• Klíčová slova
• Lecomte's pronator of ulna, anconeus muscle, articularis cubiti muscle, elbow joint capsule, subanconeus muscle, triceps brachii muscle,
• MeSH
• horní končetina MeSH
• kosterní svaly * diagnostické zobrazování   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• loket MeSH
• loketní kloub * diagnostické zobrazování   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

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