Assessment of the Effect of Variations of Palmaris Lngus Tendon and Fifth Superficial Flexor Digitorum on Pinch and Grip Strength

There have been investigations on the effect of absence or presence of Palmaris longus tendon on pinch and grip strength of the hand. In the same way the effect of presence of fifth superficial flexor digitorum on grip strength of the hand has been investigated. The aim of the present study was to assess the combined effect of these anatomical variations on pinch and grip strength.
In a cross sectional study, 1046 hands in 523 volunteers were enrolled. Each hand was assessed for the presence or absence of palmaris longus tendon and also variations of fifth superficial flexor digitorum function. Then the grip and pinch power of the hands were measured with Jammar Dynamometer.
Presence or absence of Palmaris longus had no effect on grip strength of the individuals. In the same way, variations of fifth superficial flexor digitorum function had no effect on the grip and pinch strengths. But the positive and statistically significant effect of presence of palmaris longus on pinch strength (25.38 in hands with palmaris present v/s 24.43 in hands without it) was evident (p=.03). Grip and pinch powers were higher in men compared to women (p Based upon the findings of the present study, it seems that absence of palmaris longus tendon is associated with a reduction in pinch strength, but has no effect on grip strength and the variations of fifth superficial flexor digitorum have no effect on pinch and grip strengths.