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HS03
STABILITY OF THE WRIST AND THE RADIAL (LATERAL) COLLATERAL LIGAMENT
Author(s) -
Fahrer M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04918_3.x
Subject(s) - medicine , wrist , ligament , cadaveric spasm , anatomy , ulnar deviation , scapholunate ligament , ulna
Purpose: Most textbooks, including “Terminology for Surgery of the Hand” name this ligament. Ingenious diagrams demonstrate its role in stabilizing the wrist in extreme ulnar deviation. The present study aims to verify this assumption. Methods: Eight embalmed cadaveric specimens, dissected to expose the fibrous apparatus on the radial side of the wrist joint were fixed to a stand by the radius and ulna. Constant traction of 2 kg in the ulnar direction was exerted through the base of the third metacarpal. The fibrous elements on the radial side of the joint, ie. the capsule and the strong fibrous sheaths of the tendons of Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL), Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus (ECRL) and Brevis (ECRB), and of the Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) and Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) were divided in different sequences. Results: No real radial (lateral) collateral ligament of the wrist, capable of stabilising it in extreme ulnar inclination was found. Stability was due to the strong fibrous sheaths of ECRL, ECRB, and especially that of APL and EPB. Conclusion: This raises questions about the aetiology of de Quervin's disease.