A Study Of Arrangement Of The Extensor Tendons In The Hand

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Knowledge of normal anatomy of extensor tendons of forearm and hand, along withthe variations which can occur in this arrangement of tendons is necessary for anatomists as well as orthopedicsurgeons who deal with it. This knowledge is needed for anatomists for routine dissection of the cadaver forteaching, and for surgeons when they operating injured hand or diseased hand where tendon repair orreconstruction is needed. In this study we tried to document the arrangement of extensor tendons of medial fourfingers of human hand.Materials and Methods: By using 80 upper limb specimens of human cadaver, arrangement of extensor tendonsto the medial four fingers are studied from origin to insertion, including middle part of the tendons to observesplitting in the tendons. The tendons studied are extensor digitorum communis (EDC) with four tendons, namelyextensor digitorum communis index (EDCI), extensor digitorum communis longus (EDCL), extensor digitorumcommunis ring (EDCR), extensor digitorum communis small (EDCS), extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon, extensordigiti minimi (EDM) tendon. The special findings are photographed; all the findings are tabulated and analyzedstatistically.Results: The important findings are, EDCI is having single tendon in all the 80 specimens (100%). EDCS is absentin 22 specimens (27.5%), 13 right and 9 left limb specimens. EIP is absent in one right side specimen (1.25%). EIPis having double tendons in 10 specimens (12.5%) and triple tendons in 1 specimen (1.25%). EDM is havingdouble tendons in 60 specimens (75%).Conclusion: Many variations are seen in the arrangement of extensor tendons in this study. Variations areespecially seen in the tendons of EIP and EDM. EIP showed multiple tendons and it is absent in one limb, EDMalso had double tendons in 75% specimens.