Anomalous Bicipital Origin of Flexor Carpi Radialis Muscle: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Background: Morphological variations of muscles in the flexor compartment of forearm have been reported by several authors. Flexor carpi radialis (FCR) is a superficial flexor of forearm which is known to present variations regarding its occurrence, origin from unusual sites, presence of additional belly and /or tendon of existing muscle as well as its insertion pattern. The aim of the present study was to document variations of FCR muscle and to establish embryological and clinic-anatomical correlation of such variation. Methods: The present study was carried out on thirty upper limbs from fifteen cadavers of both sexes of different ages during routine dissection in the department of Anatomy over three years. Presence, absence or any other morphological variations of FCR muscle, its nerve-supply and relation to neighbouring structures were carefully observed. Results: Study revealed in one upper limb (right) that FCR muscle had an additional head of origin from tendoaponeurotic junction of biceps brachii muscle. No similar or other variation was observed in other cadavers and even on the contralateral side of the same cadaver. Conclusion: The variant we observed was explained on embryological background and based on reviewing related literature was documented not only as rare but seemed to be relevant and clinically noteworthy for clinical and radiological diagnosis of neurovascular compression syndrome affecting upper limb distal to cubital fossa and also to surgeons undertaking reconstructive surgeries.