A rare origin of abductor pollicis longus.

Abductor pollicis longus is known for its variations in the form of multiple tendons at its insertion. The present case reports about a variation in the origin of abductor pollicis longus (APL) which has not been cited in the medical literature until date. It has been shown that the intersection area where the APL and extensor pollicis brevis cross over the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) tendons in the forearm can contribute to Intersection syndrome. This can be applied to the present variation where the two bellies of APL entrap the ECR tendons. An awareness of this unusual finding may be clinically relevant for surgical approaches in the forearm region.