The Variable Insertional Anatomy of the Abductor Pollicis Longus: Functional Relevance and Relationship to Adjacent Thumb Extensors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The abductor pollicis longus (APL) is classically described as inserting on the base of the first metacarpal. This study analyzed APL insertional anatomy and quantified the size of various elements of the extensor side of the thumb to determine associations with size and function.

Methods

Twenty-four formalin-preserved upper limbs were dissected. The insertional anatomy of the APL, extensor pollicis brevis, and extensor pollicis longus were characterized, and the capacity of APL tendon slips to perform palmar abduction of the first digit was quantified based on slip size and insertion.

Results

The mean number of APL tendon slips observed was 2.3. Abductor pollicis longus insertion sites included the base of the first metacarpal, trapezium, abductor pollicis

SUBMITTER: Deivasigamani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9806545 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature