Hypertrophic reversed palmaris longus muscle: a cadaveric finding

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Human Morphology

Background:

• The palmaris longus is a highly variable forearm muscle.
• Typically, it functions as a weak wrist flexor and is often used in reconstructive surgery due to its apparent lack of essential function.

Observation:

• This report documents a rare anatomical variation.
• The palmaris longus muscle was observed to be abnormally hypertrophied and entirely fleshy throughout its extent.

Findings:

• The hypertrophied palmaris longus muscle presented as a complete fleshy structure.
• Such anatomical variations can lead to complications like neurovascular bundle compression, particularly affecting the median nerve.

Implications:

• Understanding palmaris longus variations is crucial for surgical procedures and diagnosing nerve entrapment syndromes.
• This muscle's variability highlights the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge in clinical practice.