Scientific ArticleAnatomical Study of Stabilizing Structures of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon Around the Wrist
Section snippets
Material and Methods
Fifty fresh human cadaveric upper extremities (specimens aged 62–85 years) were used for gross observation and morphologic measurements of the ECU subsheath and the sixth dorsal compartment and its septa, and to examine the incidence and variation of an ECU accessory tendon. An additional 13 wrists (specimens aged 68–86 years) were used for histological examination of the surrounding structures stabilizing the ECU tendon. The ECU stabilizers in 3 regions were observed: the ECU tendon groove of
Gross dissection
The extensor retinaculum originated from the pisiform and passed over the dorsal wrist compartment and attached to the distal radius. The distal and proximal extents of the retinaculum, which originated from the fascia of the hypothenar and FCU muscles, variably supported the first to sixth extensor compartments.16 We found the sixth compartment septum attached to the triquetrum in 84% of specimens (42 of 50 wrists; age range, 62–85 years), located ulnar to the ECU tendon. Figure 1 shows
Discussion
The ECU tendon is stabilized in the ulnar groove by separate overlying layers of the extensor retinaculum and ECU subsheath. Microstructures of the thin membranous tissue supporting the tendon are composed of mixed loose and densely oriented collagen fibers with adipose tissue and blood vessels, similar to a previous report.17 If the ECU subsheath ruptures or elongates, the ECU tendon may move out of the ulnar groove, leading to recurrent dislocation of the ECU tendon.18 Previous authors
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by Chiang Mai University. The authors sincerely thank all donor cadavers included in this study. The authors acknowledge Dr Hisao Moritomo for his help in cadaver dissection and for his suggestion related to dynamic features of the ECU tendon subsheath.
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