Abstract
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.
Keywords
anomalous muscle - distal radius fracture - flexor carpi radialis brevis - resection
