Morphology of gracilis muscle and the topographic anatomy of its neurovascular pedicles: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background The objective of this study was to perform morphometry of the gracilis muscle and understand the topographical basis of the entry of its pedicles. Methods We studied forty-four cadaveric lower extremities fixed in formalin. The length and width of the gracilis were measured at three locations: the origin, midpoint, and musculotendinous junction. The topographic location of the gracilis pedicles was also studied. Results The gracilis muscle’s length was 369.9±34.1 mm and 359.6±29.6 mm over the right and left sides. The width of right gracilis was 25±8.4 mm, 20.4±6.2 mm and 10.6±5.6 mm at the origin, midpoint and at the musculotendinous junction. The same over the left side were 26.7±8.6 mm, 20.6±9.1 mm and 10.4±6.4 mm respectively. The number of gracilis ranged from one to three. The location of first pedicle was 93.6±35.6 mm and 68.9±35.8 mm away from the pubic tubercle on the right and left sides, respectively. The second and third pedicles were entering at a distance of 153.1±38.8 mm and 101.3±20.8 mm, 214.6±86.8 mm and 145.3±124.4 mm over the right side and left side. The accessory head of the origin of the gracilis was observed in only one cadaver (2.3%), which originated from the adductor longus. Conclusions It is believed that the morphological data of the gracilis and its neurovascular pedicles will be enlightening to the operating surgeon. They will guide the procedures for reconstructive plastic surgery.