title: [Controlling and supporting apparatus of the deep finger flexor tendon and the long extensor tendon of the thumb. Clinico-anatomical analysis].
abstract: Full function of finger flexion requires an intact pulley system. After destruction of the pulleys, reconstruction over the metacarpal head (A1) and over the center of the proximal and middle phalanges (A2, A4) should be carried out. Calculations on a computer model suggest that the reconstructed pulley must hold the tendon close to the underlying bone. Width of the pulley and distance from the next proximal or distal joint of the inserted pulley are of minor functional importance. The amount of maximum load on the pulley, exceeding the tension of the tendon, must be considered in operation and postoperative treatment. The extensor pollicis longus tendon lies at the dorsal tubercle (tubercle of Lister) within an osseous gliding surface, where it changes direction. The deviation angle depends on the radiocarpal position and causes, in addition to the usual tension, a pressure stress to that part of the tendon. A graphical analysis of statics, based on X-rays, demonstrates maximum loads on the gliding surface. They can increase in relation to the tension force of the tendon to about 50% in the antero-posterior and to 100% in the radioulnar projection. Densitography of the distal radius shows a maximum of density where the dorsal tubercle is most prominent. Nutritional problems of that tendon are predisposed by that particular mechanical stress. Therefore spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or after fracture of the distal radius occurs, though infrequently. In the case of immobilization, slight ulnar abduction within the radiocarpal joint remarkably reduces the tension and pressure stresses on the tendon.
authors.affiliation: Institut II für Anatomie der Universität zu Köln.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lengsfeld
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koebke
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D013933:Thumb / Q000502:physiology
vernacular_title: Führungs- und Haltevorrichtungen der tiefen Fingerbeugesehne und der langen Daumenstrecksehne. Klinisch-anatomische Analysen.