Abstract

Background: Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) is a deep flexor of forearm. The accessory heads of flexor pollicis longus(FPLah) and flexor digitorum profundus(FDPah) are named after Gantzer who described the same in 1831.The less frequent of the two is FDPah, which simulates soft tissue tumor mass or may cause compression neuropathy of anterior interosseous nerve leading to anterior interosseous nerve syndrome or Kiloh-Nevin syndrome. Aim: To determine the prevalence and morphology of accessory head of flexor digitorum profundus. Materials and Methods: 50 upper limbs of equal right and left distribution of unknown sex were dissected and examined in the department of anatomy. Morphological parameters such as shape, origin, insertion and relation to nerve of accessory head of FDP were studied. Results: The prevalence of accessory head of FDP showed 22% .FDPah was most commonly seen on the left side. Most frequently observed shape for FDPah was fusiform and all the accessory heads originated from undersurface of flexor digitorum superficialis and majority of the cases were inserted to middle third of tendon of FDP for index finger. One of the cases had double muscle belly with their tendons inserting to tendon for index finger and middle finger of FDP. Conclusion: Knowledge of existence of Gantzer’s muscle may provide surgeon with information for the differential diagnosis of the causes and sites of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome, also surgical interference for nerve decompression or to differentiate from soft tissue tumors.

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