Study on accessory abductor dieiti minimi

Abductor digiti minimi (ADM) along with other hypothenar muscles, is prone to lot of variations. Its close relation to the ulnar neurovascular bundle makes it an important muscle. The most common being the presence of accessory slips (accessory ADM [AADM]). The embryological basis for such slips, their morphology and their relation to ulnar neurovascular bundle were studied in detail. Material Methods A total of 100 upper limbs (80 males and 20 females) were studied for the presence or absence of AADM and its relation to ulnar nerve (UN) and vessels were studied in detail. Results Of these 100, four limbs had AADM, in which three were superficial to the ulnar artery and nerve and hence compressing them. Conclusion Presence of AADM can result in hypothenar hammer syndrome of ulnar artery and/or in compression neuropathy of UN and cause undue problems during any flap surgeries and other procedures of the hand.