Our Summary

This research paper is about the plantaris muscle (PM) tendon, a part of the leg that’s often used in hand surgery for tendon or ligament repair. The researchers carried out a review of previous studies to get a better understanding of how often the PM appears in humans and its size. They found that the PM is present in about 93% of leg specimens, and it’s slightly more common on the right side. They also found that its occurrence doesn’t differ significantly between males and females or between different ethnicities, except in Brazilian populations.

The researchers also found that the PM tendon is about 30.63 cm long and 3.68 mm wide on average. They believe that the PM tendon is a reliable and suitable choice for tendon grafting and reconstruction due to its consistent availability across human populations and its larger size compared to the palmaris longus (PL), another tendon often used in hand surgery. This is especially important because the occurrence of the PL can vary greatly between different ethnic groups.

FAQs

  1. What is the plantaris muscle (PM) tendon and how is it used in hand surgery?
  2. How common is the PM in humans and does its occurrence differ between males and females or different ethnicities?
  3. Why do researchers believe the PM tendon is a suitable choice for tendon grafting and reconstruction?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery involving the use of the plantaris muscle tendon is to expect a reliable and effective outcome due to the consistent availability and size of the tendon across human populations. This makes it a suitable choice for tendon grafting and reconstruction. Additionally, patients can rest assured knowing that the plantaris muscle tendon is present in the majority of leg specimens, making it a reliable option for hand surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for hand surgery using the plantaris muscle (PM) tendon include those with tendon or ligament injuries in the hand or wrist, such as athletes, individuals with repetitive strain injuries, or those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Additionally, patients who have had previous unsuccessful tendon repairs or reconstructions may also be candidates for hand surgery using the PM tendon. Overall, individuals who require tendon grafting or reconstruction in the hand and have a suitable anatomy for the PM tendon may benefit from this type of surgery.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient experiences pain, discomfort, or limited mobility in the hand or wrist.
  2. Patient consults with a hand surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Surgeon recommends hand surgery using the PM tendon for tendon or ligament repair.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes hand surgery using the PM tendon for tendon or ligament repair.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and physical therapy.
  3. Patient gradually regains strength and mobility in the hand through rehabilitation exercises.
  4. Patient follows up with the hand surgeon for post-operative assessments and monitoring of the healing process.
  5. Patient eventually achieves improved function and reduced pain in the hand as a result of the successful hand surgery using the PM tendon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery involving the plantaris muscle (PM) tendon may include:

  1. Can you explain why the PM tendon is being used for my surgery instead of other tendons?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with using the PM tendon for tendon or ligament repair in my hand?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be following hand surgery involving the PM tendon?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, what will that involve?
  5. Are there any specific precautions or limitations I should be aware of during the recovery period?
  6. How successful is the use of the PM tendon in hand surgery compared to other tendon grafting options?
  7. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or procedures in the future after using the PM tendon for my hand surgery?
  8. Are there any potential long-term effects or complications I should be aware of with the PM tendon in my hand?
  9. How experienced are you in performing hand surgeries using the PM tendon, and what outcomes have your previous patients experienced?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or surgical techniques that could be considered for my specific condition or injury?

Reference

Authors: Yammine K, Saghie S, Assi C. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2019 Jun;24(2):208-218. doi: 10.1142/S2424835519500280. PMID: 31035870