“Prevalence and Morphology of Palmaris Longus and Harvesting Its Tendon for Reconstructive Surgery – A Cadaveric Study.”

Abstract

Introduction: Palmaris longus is often described as one of the most variable muscles in the human body and is phylogenetically classied as a retrogressive muscle. Being a primitive muscle, its bro-fascial distal component along with the palmar aponeurosis represents phylogenetic degeneration. Palmaris longus is one of the most desirable tendons in reconstructive surgery, as it is a supercial muscle that makes the process of harvesting easier and safer. The study aims to know the prevalence and morphology of the Palmaris longus muscle and to determine the proximal incision site for harvesting the tendon of Palmaris longus. Materials and methods: Source of data: A study was conducted on 100 upper limbs (50 right and 50 left) from embalmed cadaver allotted for 1st MBBS students. Method: Dissection and observation of the status of prevalence and morphology of Palmaris longus muscle were done and this data was used to frame the site of incision for harvesting its tendon. The data of prevalence in Results: which out of 100 upper limbs, 90 limbs showed normal morphology and 10 limbs (5 right and 5 left) showed complete agenesis. The mean belly length, belly width and tendon length, tendon width on both limbs were tabulated. Based on the observations a formula to determine the proximal incision site was derived. Conclusion: The variations of Palmaris longus is more common, the surgeons should have proper knowledge about prevalence, morphology and site of incision for harvesting Palmaris longus tendon for reconstruction surgeries.