Absence of the palmaris longus tendon in Indian population

Abstract

Background:Ethnic variations in the prevalence of the absence of the palmaris longus (PL) tendon are well known. Studies have also attempted to correlate its absence with other anatomical anomalies. However, most studies have been done in Caucasian populations. The present study was undertaken to know the occurrence of absence of palmaris longus in Indian population.Materials and Methods:The presence of the PL tendon was clinically determined in 385 normal Indian men and women using the standard technique. In subjects with an absent PL tendon, three other tests were performed to confirm its absence. All subjects were also examined for the presence of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in the little finger.Results:The overall unilateral absence of the tendon was 16.9% and the bilateral absence was in 3.3% in our population. There was no significant difference in its absence with regard to the body side or sex. The overall prevalence of the weak FDS in the little finger irrespective of the presence or absence of the PL tendon in our study was 16.10%. If we compare the deficiency of the FDS in the little finger with the absence of the PL tendon, the overall incidence is 4.15% and is statistically significant, while the sexwise distribution of the weak FDS with absent PL tendon was statistically significant in males and in females it was statistically insignificant.Conclusions:The prevalence of the unilateral absence of the PL tendon in an Indian population is comparable to the western population but a bilateral absence is significantly less. In patients with an absent PL tendon, the FDS of the little finger is weak, especially in males.

Palmaris longus absence in six largest Indonesian ethnicities and its relationship with gender, ethnicity, and hand dominance

“…However, when compared to other studies in countries far away from Indonesia, it was quite different. In caucasian (Northern Ireland), the absence rates was 25%, 4 in Serbia it was 42.4%, 2 in India it was 20.2%, 19 while in the East Africa and Korea the rate of PL absence were lower (4.0% and 4.4% respectively).…”

The sonographic morphology of musculus palmaris longus in humans

“…In some situations, to avoid the above mentioned unreliability, authors tend to complement Shaeffer's test with other clinical tests such as Pushpakumar's, Mishra's, Thompson's or Gangata [1,9,11,12,20], however in most cases the differences between tests are marginal changes in fingers positioning or pressure applying [17]. It seems reasonable to question such methods as potentially susceptible to human error.…”

“…It's most typical insertions are medial epicondyle of humerus, and palmar aponeurosis [1]. PL presents very high morphological variability.…”

“…Due to that, and due to being fully developed at birth unlike other potential options, PL is commonly used in tendon grafts, lip and chin restorations, ptosis corrections, eyelid defect and facial paralysis treatment as well as other plastic surgery procedures. It is also used as an important landmark, and for genetic and anthropological studies [1,9,12,20]. Attachment of the PL to the aponeurosis palmaris may improve tension of the aponeurosis which is necessary for adequate grasp of the hand and fingers (Fig.…”

Change of the agenesis rate of palmaris longus muscle in an isolated village in Ukraine

“…The absence of PLM is one of the most easily detected anatomic anomalies; therefore there are constant attempts to find out whether its absence shows correlation or association with any other anomaly or abnormality [1,11].…”