Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis Resection for Treatment of a Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report

The flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) is an anomalous muscle of the forearm that is only present in 3.5 to 8.6% of the population. In the case of volar plating of distal radius fractures, the FCRB inhibits proper fracture exposure and thus hinders proper reduction. A 78-year-old female presented with right distal radius fracture which necessitated internal fixation. Following mobilization and retraction of the flexor carpi radialis tendon, an anomalous muscle belly was identified as the FCRB. With continued difficulty in exposure and fracture site reduction, resection of the FCRB was performed. The patient was able to return to her activities of daily living without pain and demonstrated no appreciable functional deficit. This case report demonstrates a distal radius fracture where FCRB resection was used, resulting in no detrimental clinical outcomes.