Does agenesis of Palmaris Longus tendon affect the hand grip strength

Background: The agenesis of Palmaris longus (PL) tendon varies with each Ethnic group of the population across the world. Literature review suggests Asians have the least prevalence of absence of Palmaris longus tendon whereas Turkish and Africans have the highest incidence. Lots of studies have been done to report the incidence of agenesis of the PL, and its association with hand-dominance, gender, laterality and hand grip strength with varying results. There has been no study conducted in the Mysorean population. Methods: 248 consecutive adults attending the outpatient department of orthopedics in JSS were included in this study. Patients were included based on selection criteria. Three tests were done to confirm the absence of PL by two independent observers including one senior author. The hand grip was recorded based on the mean value of three readings in each hand using a dynamometer. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: Females had a higher incidence of agenesis of PL. Right-hand dominant individuals had a higher rate of agenesis of PL. Unilateral agenesis was more common than bilateral agenesis. Conclusion: Absence of PL does not affect the hand grip strength of the patient. The PL tendon is an extremely useful donor tendon and may be sacrificed during reconstructive surgeries.