More than two - A cadaveric study on the morphometry and classification of the digastric muscle in a selected kenyan...

This study aims to elucidate anatomical variations of the digastric muscle in the Kenyan population.

A total of 41 bilateral neck dissections were performed whereby morphologic observations and morphometric measurements were carried out to characterize and classify the various presentations of the muscle.

All cadavers presented with bilateral anterior (ABDM) and posterior (PBDM) bellies of the digastric muscle. Accessory ABDM was observed in 68.3% of cadavers with De-Ary-Pires et al.'s Type II (one accessory belly; 48.8%) and Type III (two accessory bellies; 34.1%) being the most common variations. Unilateral accessory ABDM (43.9%) was more common than bilateral accessory ABDM (24.4%). Two cadavers presented with a mentohyoid muscle. In addition, variations that have not been previously reported, namely fusion of ABDM to the midline and insertion of accessory ABDM into the hyoid bone were observed in one case each. Variation of the PBDM was less prominent, observed at 12.2% of sides dissected. Duplication of PBDM was observed on 4 sides with origin at the mastoid process. The PBDM was longer than the ABDM, but narrower in width. The mean length and width of the ABDM were 4.29±0.72cm and 1.52±1.07cm. The mean length and width of the PBDM were 5.64±1.31cm and 1.07±0.28cm, with the right side being statistically larger than the contralateral side.

Variations of the digastric muscle are a common finding, with a high incidence at the ABDM. Two new variants were discovered.