A Study Of Palmaris Longus Muscle: Its Anatomic Variations With Embryological Significance And Clinical Importance

ABSTRACT

Background: In the present study, variations in the Palmaris longus and the clinical implications of these arediscussed.Aim: To study the variations in the Palmaris longus and to discuss the embryological basis, clinical and surgicalimplications of these variations.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Department of Anatomy of Hassan Institute of MedicalScience, Hassan, Dr B.R.Ambedkar Medical college, Bangalore and Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Educationand Research,Tamaka, Kolar. Thirty formalin fixed cadavers (60 upper limbs); 25 males & 5 female cadavers weredissected for the study and it was conducted over a period of three years, i.e., from 2011-2014. The cadavers withvisible trauma, pathology or prior surgeries were excluded from the study. Routine dissection of the upper limbwas carried out following the Cunnigham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy. During the dissection of the anteriorcompartment of forearm, the Palmaris longus muscle was identified & carefully dissected. At first, the origin wasconfirmed and then, it was traced towards its insertion. Any variations found were noted and photographed. Theresults were analysed and compared to previous studies.Results: Bilateral absence of palmaris longus was seen in one male cadaver and unilateral (right sided) absencein one female cadaver. Percentage of bilateral absence of palmaris longus is 3.3%. Total absence of palmarislongus is 5%. Right side absence is 3.3%, left side absence is 1.6%. Variations like split tendon of palmaris longuswas observed in a female cadaver on right side, bilateral split tendon with fleshy belly in a male cadaver,reversed belly of right side palmaris longus in a male cadaver .