Anomalous Retrogressive Palmaris Longus

Abstract

An interesting case of unusual unilateral variant of palmaris longus (PL) tendon of forearm was noticed by us. We found two bellies of PL as well as their different insertions. These observations will help in understanding morphological variations of this muscle and its clinical implications. PL is a fusiform muscle in the superficial flexor group of muscles of forearm. It originates from medial epicondyle of humerus by common flexor tendon. We found PL having one origin, i.e., from medial epicondyle from common tendinous origin of flexor muscles and then it divided to form two bellies having two long tendons distally. Understanding of presence or absence or anomalies of PL is not only important for medical professionals but also for evolutionary biologists. Awareness of anatomy and variations of flexor tendons is important for health care practitioners for the correct diagnosis and management of pain, disease, and trauma of forearm and hand.