Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (hand)

General information

A short intrinsic muscle in the hand which, with the abductor digiti minimi and opponens digiti minimi muscles, makes up the hypothenar group.

Literal meaning

The short muscle that bends the little finger.

Interesting information

Hypothenar muscles and flexor digit minimi brevis are situated in the medial hand and form the hypothenar eminence which is located above the base of the little finger.

Origin

Hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum.

Insertion

Base of proximal phalanx of 5th digit.

Function 

Fifth metacarpophalangeal joint: finger flexion (+ finger lateral rotation/opposition).

Nerve supply

Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1).

Blood supply

Deep palmar branch of ulnar artery.

Relevant research

None- only case reports.

Flexor digiti minimi brevis (hand) exercises

While the images show the index finger, the same exercises can be carried out for the fifth finger.

Strengthening:

Isometric finger flexion MCP

Place one finger from the opposite hand above the bottom joint of your injured finger and try to hold the injured finger straight, while your other finger applies a downwards pressure.

Stretching:

Finger flexion MCP

Place your thumb and finger above the bottom joint of your injured finger and with your other hand gently and gradually bend the whole finger joint.