Morphological Variations of Muscles of the Forearm - Gantzer Muscle

Introduction: The muscular variations like accessory muscles are not uncommon in upper limbs. In majority of the cases, these accessory muscles are asymptomatic. They become clinically important when they produce clinical symptoms like neurovascular compression and also during various surgical approaches. Method: The present study was conducted in 30 disarticulated upper limbs of unknown age and gender in the Department of Anatomy, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana. Result: In 6 upper limbs, accessory belly of Flexor pollicis longus (FPLah) was found. Conclusion: Gantzer muscle is clinically important as it compresses median nerve or anterior interosseous nerve. The proper knowledge of these variations is important not only for anatomists, but also for surgeons and radiologists to avoid complications during surgeries and errors in diagnosis during radio diagnostic procedures.