The prevalence of absence of Palmaris longus – A populational study

Background: Palmaris longus is a small vestigial forearm muscle that is phylogenetically degenerating and is variable in nature. It is used by surgeons as a source of tendon graft. Ethnic variations in the prevalence of the absence of the palmaris longus are well known. Materials and Method: The presence of palmaris longus was clinically determined in 100 subjects using the standard technique (Schaeffer’s test) and the absence of the palmaris longus was confirmed using three other tests (Thompson, Pushpakumar’s “two-finger sign” and Mishra II tests) to determine its absence. Result: Out of the 100 subjects examined the overall agenesis of palmaris longus was 15%. Unilateral (left) agenesis was seen in 4 subjects, unilateral (right) agenesis was seen in 2 subjects and bilateral in 9 subjects. The overall presence of palmaris longus was seen in 85 subjects. Conclusion: Palmaris longus has received a growing interest for its role in constructive surgery as it serves as a source of tendon graft and is a key interest for maxillofacial surgeons and ENT surgeons.