Cadaveric Study of the Human Thumb: Observation on Different Forms of Variations in Pollicis Tendons and Their Clinical Significance

Abstract

Background: Few structures of the human body are as unique as the hand. The hand needs to be mobile in order to position the fingers and the thumb. Coordination of the hand is required for performing tasks. The structures that form and move the hand require proper alignment and control along with adequate strength for normal hand function to occur. The thumb is a highly evolved structure of the hand and is an exemplary example of human evolution. It has gained attraction among researchers due to its uniqueness, clinical significance and associated variations in morphology. Aim ‐ The aim of this study was to observe variations among Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL), Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) and Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB). Methods: Upper limbs from twenty embalmed cadavers were studied in the Department of Anatomy and variations among the APL, EPL and EPB were documented. Results: Unilateral variations were noted among form and structure of APL, EPL and EPB. Bilateral variations were absent. All three muscles in all twenty specimens had same nerve supply. Conclusion: Variations among APL, EPL and EPB are clinically significant and may lead to obfuscations during hand and upper limb surgeries.