Clinical relevance of morphological variations in origin and insertion of lumbricals of hand in South Gujarat population.

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives: Lumbrical muscles, though small in size, have a significantly greater role to play in the intricate movements of the fingers.The great functional significance and morphological variations of lumbrical muscles as described in the literature, prompted us to undertake a detailed study of these muscles to know more about it and its significant value in the design of surgical procedures. Methods: We dissected lumbricals of hands of 40 human adult cadavers which were available from the Department of Anatomy. In the present study, variation in origin (include architecture), insertion (include split insertions, misplaced insertions or absence of muscles), the lengths of muscle belly and tendon of all lumbricals were studied and noted. Results: We found variations were more common on the right side. The second lumbrical was bipennate in 12.5% cases. The third lumbrical showed split insertion in 15% cases. The fourth lumbrical showed misplaced insertion in 10% cases. The proximal attachment of lumbricals can extend into the carpal tunnel (specially first and second) in 15% cases. Conclusion: The study provides valuable information to surgeons thus avoiding complications from local anesthetic, surgical and other invasive procedures.