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. 2025 Jan 27;15(3):304.
doi: 10.3390/diagnostics15030304.

Anatomical Study of the Palmaris Longus Muscle and Its Clinical Importance

Abdul-Malik Al Risi  1 , Sara Al Busaidi  1 , Hamood Al Aufi  1 , Lubna Al Hashmi  1 , Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla  1 , Srijit Das  1
Affiliations

Anatomical Study of the Palmaris Longus Muscle and Its Clinical Importance

Abdul-Malik Al Risi et al. Diagnostics (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: The palmaris longus (PL) is a long, thin muscle in the forearm's flexor compartment, known for its variations. The present study aimed to study the PL muscle in Omani medical students and its correlation with grip strength. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among 240 medical students (120 males, 120 females) at Sultan Qaboos University, comprising 480 upper limbs. Participants were between 18 and 25 years old and had no history of forearm surgery. We considered 480 upper limbs irrespective of left or right side, and our main aim was to compare the grip strength according to the presence or absence of PL. We assessed the presence of the PL muscle using Schaeffer's Test and Pushpakumar's test and measured the grip strength using the CAMRY digital hand dynamometer. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and independent t-tests. Results: The PL was present in 92.50% of the subjects (irrespective of side), with a higher prevalence in the females. The PL was absent in 24 (10.00%) males and 12 (5.00%) females, respectively. Average grip strength was 21.4 ± 5.25 kg in females and 40.92 ± 7.79 kg in males without considering PL presence or absence. If PL was present, then the mean grip strength was 30.84 ± 11.71 kg, and if the PL was absent, then the mean grip strength was 35.05 ± 12.44 kg. However, the p-value did not show any significant differences (p = 0.057). Conclusions: The PL is highly prevalent, especially in females, and its absence does not significantly affect grip strength. Hence, PL may be used for successful reconstructive surgeries without affecting hand function.

Keywords: Oman; anatomy; grip strength; muscle; palmaris longus; variation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Tests employed for palmaris longus: (a) Schaeffer’s test; (b) Pushpakumar’s test. Red arrow shows the PL tendon.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CAMRY digital hand dynamometer grip strength measurement meter auto-capturing electronic hand grip power.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Frequency of PL association with right and left hands in males and females. (a) Frequency of PL associated with right and left hands in males; (b) frequency of PL associated with right and left hands in females.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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