A CROSS-SECTIONAL CADAVERIC STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE AND MORPHOMETRY OF PSOAS MINOR MUSCLE IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA

Introduction:The Psoas minor muscle is a long, elongated, spindle-shaped muscle thatis rarelypresent in the human body. Despite its relatively minor role in human biomechanics, understanding its prevalence and morphology can be crucial in certain surgical and diagnostic contexts. Aim:The primary aim of this cross-sectional cadaveric study is to investigate the prevalence and describe the morphometry of the Psoas minor muscle in a population from western Maharashtra. Materials and Methods:63 well-preservedformalin-fixed and soft-embalmed human cadavers were examined during routine dissection. The prevalence, sexual dimorphism, morphology, morphometry, and laterality of Psoas minor muscle were assessed.Digital vernier calipers and tape measure were used to measure the psoas minor muscle morphometry. Result:The study reveals a prevalence rate of 33.33% for the Psoas minor muscle in the studied population. The muscle was present in 21 cadavers out of 63 cadavers. It was bilateral in 17.46% (11/63) cadavers and unilateral in 15.87% (10/63) cadavers. In all the examined cases muscle took origin from a T12-L1 vertebra, and was distally connected to the iliopubic eminence.The muscle was found unilaterally in 05 males and 05 female cadavers, and bilaterally in 07 males and 04 female cadavers. Conclusion:The study provides valuable insights into the presence and anatomical characteristics of the Psoas minor muscle among the population of Western Maharashtra. The prevalence as well as morphometry and morphology of this muscle is of significant academic interest for anatomists, surgeons, radiologists, kinesiologists, and physiotherapists for diagnostic purposes.