Abstract
The flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) muscle, considered a rare anomaly, is not well known among orthopedic surgeons. The indications for volar locking plates to treat distal radius fractures have recently expanded, and, as a result, encounters with the FCRB are becoming more common. However, few studies have described how to retract an FCRB. Here, we describe seven of 264 patients with FCRB who underwent surgery for distal radius fractures. In one case, the retracted FCRB interfered with the internal fixation. The presented cases demonstrate that the radial retraction of an FCRB with a large muscle belly enables favorable exposure of the distal radius.
Highlights
The flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) is a relatively rare anomalous muscle of the volar distal forearm
The FCRB originates between the origin of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and the insertion of the pronator quadratus (PQ); it runs on the radial side of the FPL and inserts into the second or third metacarpal and the radial side of the carpal bones
Between 2010 and 2019, 264 patients with distal radius fractures were treated using the volar flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach and volar locking plates. In seven of those cases, we observed during surgery the FCRB on the radial side of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and the superficial layer of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle
Summary
The flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) is a relatively rare anomalous muscle of the volar distal forearm. The FCRB originates between the origin of the FPL and the insertion of the PQ; it runs on the radial side of the FPL and inserts into the second or third metacarpal and the radial side of the carpal bones. It has been described in several anatomical studies and has an incidence of 0.9–7.5% [1,2,3]. The FCRB is encountered in 2.7–8.7% of surgeries for distal radial fractures [8,9,10,11,12]. The objectives of this report are when to retract the FCRB ulnarly and when to retract it radially and when to resect its fibers during surgical exposure and volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call