No abstract

In 1813 Gantzer described 2 accessory muscles in the human forearm which bear his name, accessory head of flexor digitorum profundus and accessory head of flexor pollicis longus. The less frequently observed was accessory head of flexor digitorum profundus and hence this study was conducted. Materials and Methods: 25 formalin-fixed cadavers (50 upper limbs) were dissected as per the standard methods. Detailed study of origin, insertion of accessory heads of flexor digitorum profundus muscle and various other parameters were recorded. Results: Two out of fifty upper limbs (4%) were observed to have accessory head of flexor digitorum profundus. Origin and insertion of each case was different but all got its innervation through direct branch from Median nerve. Conclusion: Accessory heads of flexor digitorum profundus may cause various syndromes and its knowledge of existence is important for surgeons operating in forearm. KEY WORDS: Accessory head of flexor digitorum profundus, pronator teres, coronoid process of ulna, median nerve, ulnar artery, carpal tunnel syndrome.