title: Accessory Slip of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris: A Cadaveric Assessment.
abstract: BackgroundAn accessory slip arising from the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon that inserts on the fifth metacarpal bone has been identified. We describe the frequency of this accessory slip arising from the ECU tendon and provide both qualitative and quantitative description of the slip via cadaveric examination.MethodsFifty (28 males and 22 females) cadaveric upper extremity specimens were examined after loupe-aided dissection of the dorsoulnar wrist and hand with identification of the ECU tendon. The presence of an accessory slip arising from the ECU tendon was noted. The insertion and morphology of the accessory slip was also described.ResultsAn accessory slip arising from the ECU tendon at the level of the radiocarpal joint was found to insert on the fifth metacarpal bone in 11 (22%) specimens. Nine accessory slips inserted at the base of the fifth metacarpal (Nakashima Type A) and two inserted at the fifth metacarpal head (Nakashima Type C). Mean width of the accessory slip was 1.2 ± 0.4 mm. No evidence of sexual dimorphism was found regarding the morphology of the accessory slip.ConclusionThe current study demonstrates the relative frequency and morphology of the accessory slip arising from the ECU tendon. This variant should be of diagnostic consideration in ailments of the dorsoulnar wrist and hand. Hand surgeons should be aware of this anatomic variant and its potential for clinical manifestation.
authors: Division of Hand Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York.
authors: Richard M
authors: RM
authors: Hinds
authors: Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors: Michael B
authors: MB
authors: Gottschalk
authors: Division of Hand Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York.
authors: Eitan
authors: E
authors: Melamed
authors: Division of Hand Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York.
authors: John T
authors: JT
authors: Capo
authors: Division of Hand Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York.
authors: S Steven
authors: SS
authors: Yang
keywords: accessory slip; anatomy; extensor carpi ulnaris; tendon; wrist