Extensor Indicis Brevis Muscle: A Case Report

Even though anatomical variations in the hand, involving muscles and their tendons are common, the majority of anomalous variations are asymptomatic throughout a lifetime. Such variations are commonly appreciated during surgical procedures involving the hand or during routine cadaver dissection. The index finger has two independent extensor tendons, and in some cases, has lower incidence of anomalous variations than other extensor tendons. We found muscular variant of extensor indicis proprius (EIP) during a cadaver dissection while teaching medical anatomy students at Addis Ababa University Black lion Specialized and Teaching Hospital, 2018. While dissecting of right hand of unknown age male cadaver, proper tendons attaching to the indicis finger are present and anomalous muscle, the so named extensor indicis brevis, was observed. The muscle originates from ulnar styloid process and inserted as a single tendon to the base of proximal phalanx of index finger. Attention is needed during surgical procedures like tendon reconstruction because anatomical variation of EIB may affect a surgical procedure.