A Comparative study of plantaris and palmaris longus in South Indian population and their clinical applications

Abstract

Background: The Plantaris and Palmaris longus muscles are small vestigial muscles having a small muscle belly and a long tendon, the Plantaris muscle is sandwiched between the Soleus and Gastronecmeus muscles present in the calf whereas, the Palmaris longus is present in the flexor compartment of the forearm. Though vestigial they are being used as autografts in various reconstructive surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of agenesis of Palmaris longus and Plantaris in South India population and to discuss their clinical importance. Method: The Plantaris and Palmaris longus muscles were dissected in 30 adult embalmed cadavers (60 lower limbs), 10 females and 20 males, the average age of the cadavers was between 40-60 years. Variations pertaining to agenesis, aberrancy of its attachment in its origin and insertion were observed and noted. Result: It was observed that in each specimen there were variations in the thickness and length of Plantaris muscle and tendon. Agenesis of Plantaris was observed bilaterally in a male cadaver only, with the incidence of 3.33%.Whereas, agenesis of Palmaris longus was unilateral right sided 3.33% and on the left side 1.66%, seen in female cadavers only. Conclusion: The tendons of Plantaris and Palmaris longus muscles, which were once thought to be vestigial and degenerating structures, can be of maximum use as graft materials in various plastic & reconstructive surgeries, without producing residual defects. After reviewing the literature it was noted that the Palmaris longus muscle has been well understood and discussed compared to the Plantaris muscle. Keywords: Autografts, Palmaris longus, Plantaris, Tendon grafts