Flexor Digiti Minimi Anatomy

Origin: Originates from the hook of the hamate bone and the flexor retinaculum in the wrist

Insertion: Ulnar side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger

Innervation: Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

Diagrams & Photos
  • Flexor Digiti Minimi
    Flexor Digiti Minimi
Key Points
  • A positive Wartenburg's sign occurs when the patient's little finger is in an involuntary abducted position because of a weak third palmar interosseous muscle and contracted and/or unopposed hypothenar muscles.
  • The hypothenar muscles can used to perform a opponensplasty muscle transfer to replace the function of the thumb's thenar muscles.  In the Huber transfer the hypothenar muscles are released from their distal insertions and mobilized proximally on their neurovascular pedicle and surgically relocated to replace the damaged or denervated thenar muscles.
  • Surgical exposure of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve often requires release of the hypothenar muscles from their hook of hamate origin.
Anatomy References
Anatomic Abbreviations
Hand Surgery Resource Anatomy Diagnostic Guide (Chapter)