Anatomical variations of the extensor pollicis brevis

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Human Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) is a key muscle in the forearm, crucial for thumb extension.
• Standard anatomical texts provide a consistent description of the EPB's origin, insertion, and course.
• Variations in muscle anatomy can impact surgical procedures and diagnostic interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical consistency of the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB).
• To compare the dissected anatomy of the EPB with established textbook descriptions.
• To identify and document any variations or asymmetries in the EPB.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of sixteen arms from eight human cadavers.
• Detailed examination of the extensor pollicis brevis muscle's morphology and course.
• Comparison of observed anatomical features with standard anatomical literature.

Main Results:

• The extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) anatomy matched standard descriptions in only 3 out of 16 dissected arms.
• Significant anatomical asymmetry of the EPB was noted between the left and right sides in 4 out of 8 cadavers.
• The majority of dissected EPB muscles exhibited variations from the typical anatomical representation.

Conclusions:

• The extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) frequently deviates from its classical anatomical description.
• Observed variations and asymmetry in the EPB highlight the need for surgeons to be aware of potential anatomical differences.
• This study underscores the importance of considering anatomical variability in clinical practice and medical education.