Anatomic variation of the 5th extensor tendon compartment and extensor digiti minimi tendon

摘要: Anatomic variation within the 5th extensor compartment may contribute to development of tenosynovitis and limit usefulness digiti minimi (EDM) for tendon transfer. The purpose this study was assess anatomic EDM its surrounding retinaculum, with particular attention anatomical between specimens. Forty-one fresh cadaver hands were dissected. length retinaculum noted. incidence an intercompartmental septum noted in each specimen as well type tendinous attachments present digitorum communis (EDC) tendons. presence any accessory retinacular bands distal edge proper also Only one contained a single tendon, while 71% (n = 29) specimens two slips 23% 9) had three slips; 24% 10) EDC tendons no slip small finger, 61% 25) finger. EDC's contribution finger found be independent 42% cases 17), 34% 14) have common slip, which branched both ring Three divided remaining beneath or proximal retinaculum. Seventy-three percent 30) band identified at base metacarpal. Eighty-eight 36) slips. surgeon should aware variability dorsal trauma In our series 30 41 contain 36 compartment. level metacarpal is finding that requires further investigation. Clin. Anat. 20:677–682, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.