Abstract
Objective: Medical literature observes clear racial/demographic trends in Palmaris longus absence; with the incidence of agenesis ranging from 5 to 25% in numerous populations. The Arabs remain relatively less explored regarding this phenomenon; more so when it comes to native Saudi populace. This study reports congenital Palmaris Longus absence in young Arab adults.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study recorded the incidence of Palmaris Longus agenesis in male and female volunteers (N=400; 200 Male & 200 Female; age range 21-25yrs) of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Schaffer, Pushpkumar and Thompson tests were applied to confirm Palmaris Longus absence.
Results: The incidence of Palmaris Longus absence was 24.5 % (an overall 16.7 % unilateral and 7.75% bilateral absence with Left sided absence being more common in the cohort). Gender wise, right sided agenesis was more common in males and left sided agenesis was more common in females while the prevalence of bilateral absence was analogous between the two sexes.
Conclusion: Palmaris Longus tendon is now a morphologically ebbing entity and its absence/agenesis is frequent in numerous populations. The incidence of Palmaris Longus absence in Saudi population is towards the higher limit of the range observed in other races. Interestingly, it is more akin to 'Caucasian' values rather than 'Asians'. 'Sexual' and 'limb sided' dimorphism is noted in absence trends. The knowledge of population specific incidence of Palmaris Longus absence and dimorphism trends is important for tendon grafts, reconstructive surgery and holds significant implications for anatomists, orthopedicians and biological anthropologists.