title: Anatomic variations of the first extensor compartment and abductor pollicis longus tendon in trapeziometacarpal arthritis.
abstract: Anatomic variation of the trapeziometacarpal joint stabilizing structures is one of the concepts proposed to explain the pathogenesis of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that septation of the first extensor compartment or variation of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon (supernumerary insertions) are more frequently associated with the progression or severity of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Septation within the first extensor compartment was significantly associated with trapeziometacarpal arthritis (p = 0.013), whereas supernumerary APL insertions (trapezium or thenar) did not reveal a significant association (p = 0.811 and p = 0.937, respectively). The results of this study do not support a role for variations of APL tendon insertions in trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Yet, the presence of septation within the first extensor compartment may play an important role in the pathogenesis of trapeziometacarpal arthritis.
authors.forename: Razvan C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Opreanu
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wechter
authors.forename: Hazem
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tabbaa
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kepros
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baulch
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lackey
authors.forename: Abdalmajid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katranji