The Prevalence and Patterns of Palmaris Longus Muscle Absence in an Iranian Population

Abstract

<jats:p>Palmaris Longus (PL) is a muscle of the forearm, i.e., not functionally necessary and does not exist in all people. It is a choice for tendon graft and investigating its prevalence is of clinical importance. During April-October 2009, 102 cadavers (78 males, 24 females) were bilaterally necropsied for PL exploration in Zanjan City, Iran. PL Absence (PLA) was observed in 37 (36.3%) cases (28 males, 9 females). PLA prevalence was similar in men (36%) and women (37.5%). Of PLA cases, 19 (51%) were unilateral (14 males, 5 females), and 18 (49%) were bilateral (14 males, 4 females). In conclusion, PLA prevalence of 36.3% in our population was similar to other studies conducted in Iran. We found no gender difference in PLA prevalence and its patterns. Due to geographical variability in PLA rate, future regional and national studies with more magnificent sample sizes are recommended to determine the prevalence and gender-specific patterns of PLA.</jats:p>

Prevalence of agenesis of palmaris longus in male and female genders on clinical examination – a review

“…4 A research conducted on cadavers in Iran documented the prevalence to be 36.3%. 12 Similar prevalence was mentioned in a cadaveric study done in Poland. 8 An interesting study conducted in a village in Ukraine revealed that the individuals born before 1945 presented with agenesis prevalence of 70% while the agenesis prevalence decreased by 23% in those who were born after 1945.…”