NUMBERS MATTER : CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ADDITIONAL BELLY OF FIRST AND SECOND LUMBRICAL MUSCLES OF THE HAND

In a routine dissection conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Amrita School of Medicine Kochi, additional origins of the first and second lumbricals were observed on the right hand of a male cadaver. The additional belly originated from the radial side of the tendon of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) of the index finger, deep to the flexor retinaculum. Distally the tendon of both bellies united and inserted to the dorsal digital expansion of the index finger. In the case of the second lumbrical the additional belly arose from the ulnar side of the tendon of Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) of the index finger and inserted into the dorsal digital expansion of middle finger. Knowledge of possible variations helps the clinician find aetiology for various compressive syndromes so that treatment modality can be tailored and customised. This presentation will add to the compendium of information.