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J Hand Microsurg 2016; 08(01): 049-051
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1571261
Case Report
Society of Indian Hand & Microsurgeons

A Conservatively Managed Anatomical Variant of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Muscle in the Hand

Benjamin D. Chatterton
1   Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Thomas S. Moores
1   Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Nicholas Heinz
2   Keele University School of Medicine, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Praveen Datta
3   Department of Radiology, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Kevin D. Smith
1   Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
,
Peter B. M. Thomas
1   Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 July 2015

23 November 2015

Publication Date:
27 April 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Anomalous flexor digitorum superficialis muscles in the hand are an uncommon phenomenon, and therefore present challenges in diagnosis and management. We report a case of a 16-year-old girl presenting with a painful, slowly enlarging palmar swelling. The swelling was investigated with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and was found to be an anomalous muscle belly of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. After careful consideration, multidisciplinary discussion, and thorough imaging, the patient was treated successfully without surgical exploration or excision, in comparison to previously reported cases. The patient was pain free and had no concerns at 8-month follow-up, demonstrating the value of conservative management in these cases.

Keywords

flexor digitorum superficialis - anatomic variants - magnetic resonance imaging - ultrasound
 

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