Clinico-anatomical considerations of unilateral bipartite abductor digiti minimi muscle of the foot: a case report

Abstract

Wound surgery of the heel may prove to be a difficult and time consuming procedure. This is owing to the weight bearing function of the heel. Defects in this region may be reliably covered by myocutaneous flaps. We present an interesting observation of an accessory belly of abductor digiti minimi (ADM) in the right foot of an adult male cadaver. The two bellies of ADM were placed in two planes - superficial and deep. The lateral belly was superficial and lateral in comparison to the medial belly which was deep and more medially displaced. Additionally, the morphology of the two bellies varied with the lateral belly being musculotendinous while the medial belly was tendinous predominantly. The clinical and surgical importance of the additional belly of the ADM is discussed specially in surgical procedures of plantar aspect of the foot. A preoperative radiological assessment of the foot to be operated upon may provide the necessary information and may detect these muscular anomalies. Utilizing these variations to their benefit during operation will shorten the procedure time and may reduce postoperative risks and complications. This anomaly here presented seldom cited in literature may be used to alert the foot surgeons and radiologists so that they may plan their procedures accordingly.