European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Tendons are frequently used for reconstructive surgery. This includes tendons of palmaris longus, plantaris, the long extensors of the toes and fingers as well as the flexors of the fingers. The surgeon must base his or her selection of the donor tendon for grafting on what is needed, for example tendon size, length, and width. The most desirable tendons in reconstructive surgery are the palmaris longus and plantaris tendons. These two muscles are also considered to be the easiest tendons to harvest, and therefore they remain the ideal choices for flaps or tendon grafts.
Objectives: To determine and compare whether there is any significant difference in the prevalence of absence of these tendons among different ethnic groups .To compare the prevalence of absence in right and left sides.
Methods: The study was done on 30 cadavers . The palmaris longus and plantaris muscles are indeed subject to variation, whether in the general anatomy, form, attachment, actions and/or prevalence.   Parameters like muscle length , tendon length, total length, of both the muscle were measured using measuring tape and the muscle width and tendon width were measured using digital vernier caliper and recorded bilaterally and statistically analysed. Conclusion: based on the morphology and prevalence of the palmaris longus and plantaris muscles in Bihar, they are ideal for the use of flaps and/or tendon graft in reconstructive surgery. But it is of utmost importance that the reconstructive surgeon, remember that both these muscles are subject to variation and not only will it be beneficial to employ proper detection methods to determine the viability of either muscle before considering its suitability in reconstructive surgery but also a sound knowledge of the anatomy of these muscles must be known.