A Case Report on Anatomic Variant of Retrogressive Palmaris Longus

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The Palmaris longus muscle (PL) is a fusiform muscle. It lies in the superficial flexor group of muscles of forearm. It originates from medial epicondyle of humerus by common flexor tendon (along with flexor digitorum superficial muscle (FDS), flexor carpi ulnar is muscle (FCU) and flexor carpi radial is muscle (FCR)). After removing skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia of anterior compartment of forearm, PL can be seen, lying superficial to FDS and between FCU and FCR muscle. It is directed downwards and outwards. It has short muscular belly (up to mid forearm level) and then it takes the form of long and slender tendon. It then crosses in front of flexor retinaculum and is continuous with the central part of palmar Apo neurosis. It is innervated by median nerve. Anatomical awareness of structures of forearm and their relations is essential for clinicians and surgeons. As there are several patients of distal neuropathies, so this study will be useful for medical professionals for the correct diagnosis and treatment. We found a case of PL having two bellies and two insertions. Such a case has never been reported in India.