Extensor Indicis Brevis Replacing Extensor Indicis Bilaterally - A Case Report and Surgical Considerations

Abstract

The anatomical variation while dissecting a particular region may go unrecognised. It becomes the responsibility of anatomist to identify and report such variations as they greatly influence diagnostic accuracy, surgical approaches and therapeutic outcomes. During the routine dissection of extensor aspect of forearm and dorsum of the hand, the extensor indices, a deeper muscle of extensor compartment which typically guide the extension of index finger was found to be absent bilaterally. In its place, a smaller accessory muscle present on the dorsum of the hand found, identified to be extensor indices brevis bilaterally. This muscle may be present in 2% to 3% population which may be mistaken for pathology of dorsum of the hand. These findings underscore the importance of vigilance during anatomical study and caution during tendon reconstruction procedures to avoid misdiagnosis or surgical complications.