ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the anatomical characteristic of the third palmar interosseous mus- cle as well its dominate nerve,and to investigate the anatomical basis of difficult recovery of digitus minimus adduction.Methods Twenty aduh fresh hands without deformity and trauma were obtained.Dissect and observe the third palmar interosseous muscle and its dominate nerve and adjacent structure under surgical mi- croseope,measure the size of the third pahnar interosseous muscle and its dominate nerve,the data were pro- cessed by stastistics method.Results Among palmar interosseous muscles and its dominate nerves,the third palmar interosseous muscle and its dominate nerve is the smallest.There are conspicuous tendon bundle on the surface of the third palmar interosseous muscle partly,which have a potential compression on the third palmar interosseous muscle dominting nerve.Conclusion The third palmar interosseous muscle is the smal- lest among palmar interusseous muscles and it is the only digitus minimus adduction muscle.The sominating nerve of the third palmar interosseous muscle is small anti the tendon bundle of the third palmar interosseous muscle have a potential compression.All these can cast light on diffcult recovery of digitus minimus adduction.