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Flexor digitorum profundus

Contents

Anatomy

 

Flexor digitorum profundus - anterior view
Flexor digitorum profundus - medial view

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page
  • Is a part of the lower arm's anterior deep muscle group

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Proximal half of the medial and anterior part of ulna
  • Membrana interosseus

Insertion

  • Anterior surface of distal phalanges of 2-5 fingers

Main function

  • Wrist
    • Flexion
  • MCP
    • Flexion
  • PIP
    • Flexion
  • DIP
    • Flexion

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C7-Th1
  • Peripheral
    • Median nerve
    • Ulnar nerve

Arterial supply

  • Ulnar artery
  • Radial artery
  • Anterior interosseous artery

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or supine
  • Place your hand medially on the proximal aspect of the lower arm
  • Ask the patient to perform flexion of the distal finger joints (DIP)
  • Assist the patient by fixating the PIP-joints during the execution
    • Feel for the contraction proximally on the lower arm

Strength test

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or supine
  • Ask the patient to hold the wrist in extension
  • Fixate the MCP and PIP-joints of the patient
  • Put pressure towards the distal phalanx in the direction of extension so that the patient is giving force towards flexion