A Rare Case of Anomalous Origin of First Lumbrical from the Tendon of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis to Index Finger

J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Nov;10(11):AD03-AD04. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/23358.8801. Epub 2016 Nov 1.

Abstract

Human hand is involved in variety of precision work which requires a combined effort of forearm muscles as well as intrinsic muscles of hand. Lumbricals along with interossei muscles connect the tendons of flexor and extensor muscles and thus play a key role in the characteristic movements of human hands. Lumbricals originate from long flexor tendon and is inserted into dorsal digital expansion. Any variation in the attachment of these muscles can lead to deviation from the normal actions of the fingers and their proximal extension into carpal tunnel and might lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. An extremely rare case of first lumbrical taking origin solely from first tendon of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) and having proximal attachment extending into carpal tunnel was noticed bilaterally in cadaveric dissection. These variations are always challenging for clinicians and surgeons during hand surgeries.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel; Intrinsic muscles of hand; Long flexor tendons; Variations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports