Peculiar tendinous origin of the brachialis muscle: Anatomic and clinical insight

The current study seeks to elucidate the presence and potential function of an anomalous tendinous origin of the brachialis muscle. The brachialis muscle originates from the humeral shaft, which is usually muscular, thereby becoming tendo-aponeurotic distally towards its insertion. During routine cadaveric dissection, in a 52-year-old cadaver, the anomalous brachialis muscle originated in the form of a tendon measuring 4.4 cm in length. The tendon was attached to the proximal humeral shaft near the lateral lip of inter-tubercular sulcus. The aponeurotic insertion was as usual, into the ulnar coronoid process. The long tendinous origin of the brachialis muscle as observed in the present study could alter the biomechanics of the muscle. A long tendinous origin of the muscle may predispose to frequent tendinous injuries. There are possibilities of the anomalous tendon being used as a graft in elbow injuries. A comprehensive knowledge of such a rare anatomical variation could prove beneficial in surgical, rehabilitation and radiological field.