The contribution of the palmaris longus muscle to the grip strength

Abstract Objectives: Palmaris longus (PL) is frequently used as a donor tendon in various wrist, hand and reconstructive surgery. It is believed that PL is a dispensable muscle that can be harvested without producing any func- tional loss at the donor hand. The purpose of this study is to compare the grip strength between normal subjects having the tendon and lacking it. Methods: Three hundred thirty three male subjects between 18 and 25 years of age were assessed for the presence of the PL tendon and grip strength was measured with a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer. Both dominant and non-dominant hands were divided into two groups according to the absence of PL tendon and grip strength was compared between groups. Results: The mean grip strength in dominant extremities lacking PL was 45.27+/-6.21 kg and having PL was 45.40+/-7.07 kg (p=0.899). The mean grip strength in non-dominant extremities lacking PL was 41.04+/-6.39 kg and having PL was 40.79+/-6.33 kg (p=0.782). Conclusion: Results of this study showed that grip strength is similar whether the subject has or does not have a PL. Patients may be informed that harvesting their PL tendon would not affect the functions of their hands. [Hand Microsurg 2012; 1(1.000): 7-9