Absent flexor pollicis longus: case report with review of literature

An asymptomatic absence of flexor pollicis longus without association with any other anomaly or hypoplasia of the thenar muscles in a 28-year-old patient is reported due to its rarity. The inability to flex the interphalangeal joint of the thumb and the absent flexor crease of the thumb led us to identify the absent tendon, and the tendon could not be palpated in the flexor crease of the thumb. Routine X-rays, ultrasound scans, and a computed tomography with soft tissue enhancement was used to confirm and document the condition. The patient was not referred for a magnetic resonance imaging, facilities for which are not available in the center where the author is working, as he was not keen in surgical interference.