Incidence of Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus Muscle

The extensor digitorum brevis manus, a supernumerary muscle in the fourth extensor compartment of the dorsum of the wrist, is a relatively rare anomalous muscle. Extensor digitorum brevis should be included in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses on the dorsal aspect of the hand as it may mimic cystic, neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious masses arising in the dorsum of the wrist. Seventy-two upper limbs of male and female cadavers were dissected and examined to study the pattern of extensor tendons of the index finger. In the present study, we observed three cases (4.2%) of the extensor digitorum brevis manus on the left side. In one cadaver (0.72%), there was an additional tendon arising from the extensor indices which was inserted to the radial side of the dorsal digital expansion of the index finger. The extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle (EDBM), an anatomic variant of the extensor muscle of the dorsum of the hand, is found in approximately 2% to 3% of the population. This variation is, therefore, clinically and surgically relevant because the EDBM may be the only muscle responsible for the independent extension of the second digit. The aim of the present study is to report the incidences of this muscle thereby creating awareness of its existence and of its characteristic appearance to surgeons.     

Surgical treatment of hand disorders in Farber's disease: a case report

Farber's disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of acid ceramidase activity whose symptoms include hoarseness, subcutaneous nodules, and painful swollen and contracted joints. This case report focuses on hand abnormalities and surgical treatment of hand disorders in Farber's disease. A 9-year-old girl had occasional painful locking of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the middle fingers and severe tenderness of the dorsal aspect of the wrists. Resection of several nodules within the metacarpophalangeal joint and of a nodule that was firmly attached to the extensor pollicis longus tendon beneath the extensor retinaculum relieved pain and enabled the patient to perform daily activities.     

The dorsoradial flap: a new flap for hand reconstruction. Anatomical study and clinical applications

The authors report a new cutaneous flap harvested from the dorsal and distal quarter of the forearm: the dorsoradial flap. The vascularisation type of the cutaneous paddle belongs this flap to the anterograde and axial family flaps. The anatomical study carried out on thirty six fresh cadaver upper arms showed a constant and a consistent cutaneous collateral branch of the radial artery which arises at the apex of the first intermetacarpal space. Two anatomical types were recorded according to the origin of the dorsoradial artery: type I (84% of cases), the vessel arises directly from the radial artery; type II (16% of cases), it arises from a common trunk with the first dorsal intermetacarpal artery. Those anatomical findings does not influence the flap operative technique, the flap design and the location of the pedicle pivot point. The dorsoradial artery emerges vertically from the apex of the first intermetacarpal space, crosses the angle between the extensor pollicis longus tendon laterally and the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon medially and turns proximally towards the distal radio-ulnar joint. Over the dorsal aspect of the wrist, the dorsoradial artery enters the subcutaneous tissue, runs parallel to the extensor pollicis longus tendon at three millimeters in a medial position, passes over the medial collateral branch of the superficial radial nerve and irrigates all the distal and dorsal quarter of the forearm. The artery is consistently accompanied by two comitantes veins, which assume the venous drainage of the cutaneous territory. The flap paddle is designed over the distal dorsal forearm quarter, between the dorsal crease of the wrist distally, the ulnar crest medially and the radial crest laterally. All this skin territory can be harvested and supplied by the dorsoradial pedicle, but we always should deal with the needs of the defects reconstruction and the morbidity of the donor site. The vascular pedicle is outlined between the distal radio-ulnar joint and the apex of the first intermetacarpal space with a minimum of one centimeter width. The surgical procedure is carried out under a tourniquet without an upper arm exsanguination. The skin is firstly dissected over the vascular pedicle through an S shape incision; it is lifted on the dermo-hypodermis plan preserving all the superficial venous network with the pedicle. The flap is elevated from proximal to distal including the dorsal forearm fascia. Over the dorsal extensor retinaculum, the dissection is underwent close to it elevating all the subcutaneous tissues. The medial collateral branch of the superficial radial nerve should be identified and respected. At the distal border of the dorsal retinaculum, the extensor pollicis longus and the extensor carpi radialis longus tendons are identified and retracted. The pedicle dissection goes deeper between this two tendons towards the first web space. It takes all the areolar tissue around the pedicle in order to preserve the venous network of the cutaneous paddle. The donor site is closed primarily if the skin width does not exceed 3 cm or grafted secondarily. Its large rotational arc allows the cutaneous paddle to cover the dorsal hand and metacarpo-phalangeal long fingers defects, the dorsal aspect of the thumb and the first intermetacarpal space. It can also safely reach the palmar aspect of the wrist. We report four clinical cases where the dorsoradial flap was successfully applied. This preliminary clinical experience exhibits the vascular network reliability and the operative technique simplicity of this new cutaneous flap. We believe that it should be added to the armamentarium of the reconstructive hand surgeon and considered as a useful tool for soft tissue hand and thumb reconstruction defects.     

Delayed rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon after inappropriate placement of the pi plate on the volar surface of the distal radius

The pi plate (Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA) was designed to fit the unique contour of the dorsal aspect of the distal radius. Complications of pi plate fixation of the dorsal distal radius have been previously reported to include both extensor tenosynovitis and delayed extensor tendon rupture. We report a case of rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon associated with inappropriate placement of the pi plate on the volar surface of the distal radius.     

The management and physiotherapy of extensor tendon injuries

Summary The investigation and management of extensor tendons play a minor role compared to those of flexor tendons. The finger extension does not seem to be as important as the flexion. But the practical value of the hand is determined by both. Different managements are used depending on the level of extensor tendon injury. More distal located injuries require a longer restraint than those, which are located more proximal. On the one hand this depends on the blood supply of the extensor tendon, which is by far better in the lower arm and dorsal hand than peripheral. On the other hand the reason is the different amplitude of gliding of extensor tendons, which decreases from proximal to distal to lower than 1 mm. Therefore the tension on extensor tendon sutures increases from proximal to distal. The varies techniques of extensor tendon reconstruction will be described.      

An uncommon occupational accident: tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons of the hand

We present a case of tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons of the hand. Our patient was a young doctor working in the respiratory medicine department. He was injured on the dorsal aspect of the hand with a needle used for pleural aspiration. The clinical features consisted of gradually swelling, mild pain and stiffness of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The diagnosis was made after synovectomy. Histological and bacteriological examinations revealed tuberculosis. Treatment consisted of synovectomy and appropriate antibiotics. The clinical course was excellent after one year follow-up. Tuberculous tenosynovitis of the hand is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis occurring in fewer than 5% of all cases of skeletal tuberculosis. Thickening of the tendon or synovial sheath and local accumulation of fluid are the characteristic manifestations. The diagnosis must be confirmed by surgical biopsy. Antibiotics and synovectomy achieve a good functional result.     

Restoration of thumb abduction damaged by electrical burn using the free dorsalis pedis flap with the extensor hallucis brevis tendon

The treatment of electrical burn injuries in the hand is difficult and challenging because the burn widely and deeply damages not only the skin and subcutaneous tissue, but also tendon, muscle, ligaments, and bone. Compound defects of the skin and abductor pollicis brevis tendon caused by an electrical injury were reconstructed using a free dorsalis pedis flap including the extensor hallucis brevis tendon. This composite flap is also applicable for reconstruction of thumb abduction, although its usefulness has been reported for reconstruction of defects of the dorsal skin of the hand including the extensor tendons.     

The superficial branch of the radial nerve: An anatomic study with surgical implications

Twenty fresh cadaver extremities were dissected to delineate and quantify the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. This branch bifurcated from the radial nerve at the level of the lateral humeral epicondyle in eight specimens, and in all specimens the bifurcation was no more than 2.1 cm from the lateral epicondyle. It continued distally, deep to the brachioradialis and became subcutaneous a mean of 9.0 cm proximal to the radial styloid, traversing between the tendons of the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus. The superficial branch of the radial nerve branched a mean of 5.1 cm proximal to the radial styloid. Distally, at the level of the extensor retinaculum, the closest branches to the center of the first dorsal compartment and to Lister's tubercle were mean distances of 0.4 and 1.6 cm, respectively. In the hand, the superficial branch of the radial nerve most commonly supplied branches to the thumb, the index finger, and the dorsoradial aspect of the long finger. Knowledge of the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve will help prevent injury during operative procedures on the radial side of the hand, wrist, and forearm and will aid in its localization in treatment of traumatic injuries or performance of nerve blocks in its distribution.     

尺侧腕伸肌腱固定治疗桡尺远侧关节背侧半脱位的疗效

目的 介绍一种韧带再造的新方法治疗桡尺远侧关节背侧半脱位的疗效。方法 对3例患者,取尺侧腕伸肌腱的桡侧半腱条,自尺骨背侧骨孔突出,由桡骨掌侧骨孔穿入,再从桡骨骨侧骨孔穿出后拉紧,固定于尺骨上。结果 3例患者均取得了满意效果,术前的疼痛症状消失,关节半脱位已矫正,前臂旋转功能改善。结论 用尺侧腕伸肌腱固定治疗玩关节炎改变的桡尺远侧关节背侧半脱位简便有效。     

Anatomical bases of the second toe composite dorsal flap for simultaneous skin defect coverage and tendinous reconstruction of the dorsal aspect of the fingers.

Coverage of the dorsal aspect of the fingers is difficult, especially when the soft tissue defect is large and involves extensor apparatus and joints. Tendinous and/or articular reconstruction is not usually performed simultaneously with cutaneous repair. The aims of this study were: (1) to accurately determine the precise position of the first common dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) on the dorsal aspect of the foot, and (2) to enumerate the anatomical structures which could be harvested 'en-bloc' in order to design composite flaps. The precise position of the FDMA was studied from 22 anatomical specimens after selective injection of the arterial network. Its cutaneous area measured 75 x 40 mm on average. The extensor apparatus of the second toe was supplied by the FDMA and its lateral branch to the second toe by 2.7 branches on average over a length of approximately 75 mm. The medial dorsal digital artery was generally the main source of blood supply to the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP), capsule, ligaments, head of proximal phalanx and base of middle phalanx. It is then possible to design composite flaps including both skin and extensor apparatus, and total or partial PIP joint, if necessary, based on the FDMA and the medial dorsal digital artery, without prejudice to the second toe. The average length of the arterial pedicle (60 mm) makes its suture to the dorsal metacarpal artery, the dorsal carpal branch or the radial artery easy. The harvesting technique for such a flap is described for each anatomical type of FDMA; it has to be adapted to both the type and extent of the defect. Its use is in accordance with the modern classical principle of 'all in one stage with early mobilisation', thanks to adequate coverage whose blood supply does not depend on local vascularisation, and which brings its own physiological vascular supply.     

Use of the bilobed flap for coverage of exposed structures on the fingers.

An original surgical procedure for the repair of soft tissue defects localized on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx of the fingers is described. A patient was seen with a posttraumatic soft tissue loss corresponding to the dorsal aspect of the second metacarpophalangeal joint and the adjacent proximal half of the proximal phalanx of the index finger with extensor tendon exposure. The repair of the defect using a local flap taken from the second web space and the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the long finger provided excellent coverage with early movement and a good functional result.     

Verletzungen der Endgelenke

Injuries of the distal interphalangeal joints mostly involve the extensor tendon. Its superficial position on the dorsal aspect of the finger often exposes the extensor tendon to closed and open injuries. Lesions of the extensor tendons are more common than those of the flexor tendons. Furthermore, injuries of the joint often occur as fractures of the dorsal base of the distal phalanx, and, less frequently, as fractures of the head of the middle phalanx. In all cases, correct diagnosis and therapy is essential. Incorrect diagnosis and neglecting of the injury by both surgeon and patient often lead to considerable complications, e.g., delayed healing and lack of function.     

Delayed Rupture of the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon After Inappropriate Placement of the π Plate on the Volar Surface of the Distal Radius

The π plate (Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA) was designed to fit the unique contour of the dorsal aspect of the distal radius. Complications of π plate fixation of the dorsal distal radius have been previously reported to include both extensor tenosynovitis and delayed extensor tendon rupture. We report a case of rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon associated with inappropriate placement of the π plate on the volar surface of the distal radius. (J Hand Surg 1999; 24A:1279–1280.     

Anterolateral thigh free flap for simultaneous reconstruction of digital extensortendon and defect of the dorsal hand: A case report

This paper describes a new technique in the repair of the hand defect with digital extensor tendon injury. The anterolateral thigh flap with the thick femoral fascia has been used in the reconstruction of the composite defect of the dorsal hand, especially the defect of tendon. This technique requires short period of treatment and hence causes less damage to the donor site but shows a better recovery of the hand function. A favorable curative effect has been obtained in this patient.     

Extensor tenodesis for plexic hands with C7 to T1 or C8, T1 root avulsions: a new technique

In C7 to T1 or C8, T1 root avulsion palsies, restoration of finger active extension is not possible. Only tenodesis may restore hand opening in active wrist flexion. Many techniques have been described to restore this motion. In routine techniques, extensor tendons are fixed on radius or sutured on dorsal retinaculum. However, in these procedures, progressive tendon lengthening or ruptures may occur and salvage procedure may be difficult to perform. Therefore, we proposed a new extensor tenodesis technique. The extensor digitorum communis tendons are sutured on the paralyzed flexor digitorum superficialis tendons through interosseous membrane. This procedure allows performing a strong tendon to tendon suture more resistant than radius or retinaculum fixation. As other tenodesis techniques, wrist flexion has to be active to obtain hand opening.     

Spontaneous rupture of the extensor carpi radialis brevis in a 51-year-old man: case report

Dorsal hand osteophytes are common findings in the general population, frequently presenting with dorsal pain and treated with surgical excision. We report the spontaneous rupture of the extensor carpi radialis brevis in association with a previously asymptomatic dorsal scaphoid spur. Following conservative management, surgical excision of dorsal hand osteophytes should be considered for both resolution of pain and prevention of attritional tendon rupture.     

Anomalous extensor muscles of the hand: a review.

Anomalous extensor muscles of the hand are not uncommon. Well-recognized anomalies anomalous extensor indicis proprius, extensor digitorum brevis manus, extensor medii proprius, and extensor indicis et medii communis are reviewed and discussed in detail. Anomalous extensor indicis proprius and extensor digitorum brevis manus may occasionally give rise to dorsal wrist pain and the diagnosis is often confused especially in the presence of other pathologic findings such as a ganglion. An analysis of the embryologic development of the extensor muscle mass with phylogenetic comparisons between species of the animal kingdom is presented to underscore the clinical relevance of these anomalous extensors.     

The significance of extensor tendon tethering and dorsal joint capsule tightening after injury to the hand

This paper examines the clinical problem of extensor tendon tethering and/or dorsal joint capsule tightening secondary to hand injury. One hundred and forty-one patients were examined 13 to 51 months after hand injuries of varying severity. Fifty-six patients (40%) had suffered simple and eighty-five patients (60%) complex injuries. Seventy-four (52%) of the 141 patients had no extensor tendon tethering and/or dorsal joint capsule tightening. In 30 (21%), the extensor tendon tethering and/or dorsal joint capsule tightening was considered to be "obvious" in that it was easily seen on examination using various commonly used clinical tests of finger flexion and extension. In 37 (26%), the extensor tendon tethering and/or dorsal joint capsule tightening was considered to be of "lesser degree" because it was only evident on application of specific tests which are described in this paper. Of the 37, 21 (56%) described themselves as being unable to make a "proper" fist with the injured hand, 33 (89%) had pain or discomfort on the dorsum of the injured hand and/or fingers on gripping (P < 0.01) and 25 (70%) had weakness of power of gripping (P < 0.01). Thirty-two (87%) complained of functional problems at work, with activities of daily living or with the pursuit of their hobbies.     

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. This condition, although uncommon, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain over the dorsoulnar aspect of the wrist. We report three cases with good response to surgical decompression of the sixth dorsal compartment of the wrist.