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Anatomical study of the symmetry of lateral extensor compartment of the wrist
Author(s) -
Godwin Yvette,
Ellis Harold
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
clinical anatomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1098-2353
pISSN - 0897-3806
DOI - 10.1002/ca.980060405
Subject(s) - medicine , wrist , finkelstein's test , anatomy , tenosynovitis , compartment (ship) , carpal tunnel , cadaveric spasm , tendon , surgery , physical therapy , oceanography , geology
The anatomy of the lateral extensor compartment of the wrist has been extensively studied, since it is the site of stenosing tenosynovitis of the tendons of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis (de Quervain's disease). Septation of the compartment and multiplicity of the tendons within it have been thought, by some surgeons, to cause overcrowding and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of the condition. This anatomical study of ten pairs of cadaveric hands has shown that these variations are common, confirming previous reports in the literature, and, more importantly, that they are frequently bilaterally symmetrical. Since de Quervain's disease tends to occur unilaterally, it seems unlikely that anatomical variations are important in its pathogenesis. Appreciation of these variations is, however, important in surgical treatment. Adequate exposure is necessary to recognize the anatomical structures, so that all subcompartments within the fibroosseous tunnel may be decompressed. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.