title: Relationship Between Juncturae Tendinum and Sagittal Bands.
abstract: The juncturae tendinum and sagittal bands transmit precise forces through the dorsum of the hand. Both structures are integral in the mechanics of normal digital extension and in stabilization of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Extensor tendon injury, or rupture/attenuation of sagittal bands and/or juncturae tendinum, may disrupt the kinematic chain and lead to a number of abnormal hand postures and motions. Early treatment of extensor tendon and/or sagittal band injury is dependent upon proper recognition of primary pathology. Proper evaluation and the use of special clinical tests should be implemented to rule out other pathologies. Once diagnosed, treatment may consist of relative motion splinting and standard pain/edema control measures to increase joint motion, tendon excursion, and functional use of the hand.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Therapy, Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, Ontario N6A 4A6 Canada.
authors.forename: Shrikant J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chinchalkar
authors.affiliation: Premier Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Associates, 1161 McDermott Drive, West Chester, PA 19380 USA.
authors.forename: Chelsea A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Associates Therapy, Denver, CO USA.
authors.forename: Bobbi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Owsley
keywords: Cadaver dissection; Extensor biomechanics; Extensor quadriga; Juncturae tendinum; Relative motion orthosis; Sagittal band; Swan neck deformity