Prevalence of Palmaris Longus Tendon Agenesis in a Population of Medical Students

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of palmaris longus (PL) tendon agenesis in a population of medical students. Methods: The presence of the palmaris longus tendon was evaluated using Schaeffer's test, applied bilaterally in 100 medical students, totaling 200 evaluated antimeres. The data were analyzed for unilateral or bilateral presence of the tendon, in relation to gender, laterality (right or left), and the occurrence of agenesis. Results: Agenesis of the palmaris longus tendon was observed in 32 out of 200 evaluated antimeres (16%). Among female participants, agenesis was identified in 21 antimeres (21%), whereas in males it was observed in 11 antimeres (11%). Tendon absence was more frequent in the left upper limb, regardless of gender. Conclusion: The prevalence of palmaris longus tendon agenesis in the studied sample was 16%, with a higher frequency among females. Tendon absence was more common on the left side in both genders. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.