An Anatomical Study of the Musculus Flexor Digitorum Brevis
Author: Humberto Ferreira Arquez
Abstract
Background: The present study documents valuable new data on
the anatomical variations of the musculus flexor digitorum brevis in an
adult Colombian population, this muscle and in particular its fourth
slip, has a significant clinical and surgical importance. The fourth slip
is undergoing a phylogenetic degeneration. The purpose of this study
is to conduct an evidenced on the prevalence of the musculus flexor
digitorum brevis and its variants in humans.
Methods and Findings: A total of 17 cadavers with different age
groups were used for this study, 34 feet of 15 male and 2 females
embalmed adults cadavers in the laboratory of Morphology of the
University of Pamplona. All feet (n= 34) were studied serially during
the years 2013-2016. Of the 34 feet examined, in 32 (94.12%) the
muscle conformed to the classical descriptions given in anatomical
textbooks showed 4 bellies. In the remaining 2 feet (5.88%) the muscle divided into three parts which ended in slender tendons to the
second, third and fourth toes.
Conclusions: The knowledge of the anatomical variations in relation
to the demographic characteristics of patients would be of importance
for diagnostic imaging and foot surgery.
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