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Linburg–Comstock variation and syndrome. A meta-analysis

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Abstract

Introduction

Linburg–Comstock variation often connecting the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger at a different level with significant discrepancy between clinical and cadaveric frequencies reported in the literature. Although this variation is quite prevalent, it is yet frequently unrecognized. The aim of this meta-analysis is to generate more accurate weighted frequency values of the Linburg–Comstock variation and to look for possible association with ethnicity, laterality, gender and side.

Methods

A systematic literature search identified 14 studies, including 4132 forearms/hands, which met the inclusion criteria.

Results

While no significant difference was found for laterality, we found significantly higher Linburg–Comstock variation rate in females compared to males. Turkish population demonstrated a significantly higher crude frequency when compared to Europeans (22.2 vs. 15.2%). Hispanic population showed the highest crude frequency (34.5%), whereas the African ancestry showed the least one (8.8%).

Conclusions

Linburg–Comstock variation could cause career-threatening disabilities and could complicate some hand injuries as well. This review invites future researchers to use a single nomenclature; the term “Linburg–Comstock variation” is to be used when no symptoms are present, and the term “Linburg–Comstock syndrome” in cases where the variation is symptomatic.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Center for Evidence-Based Anatomy, Sport and Orthopedic Research, and The Foot & Hand Clinic, Beirut, Lebanon

    Kaissar Yammine

  2. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia

    Mirela Erić

Authors
  1. Kaissar Yammine
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  2. Mirela Erić
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Contributions

Both authors contributed equally to this manuscript. Yammine K. was involved in protocol/project development, data collection or management, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing. Erić M. was involved in protocol/project development, data collection or management, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mirela Erić.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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No funding was received for this study.

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Yammine, K., Erić, M. Linburg–Comstock variation and syndrome. A meta-analysis. Surg Radiol Anat 40, 289–296 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-017-1957-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-017-1957-1

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