Role of the juncturae tendinum in preventing radial subluxation of the extensor communis tendons after ulnar sagittal band rupture: a cadaveric study.

Abstract

Background. Radial subluxation of the extensor communis tendons at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints is a rarely reportedvinjury. These injuries have proved difficult to reproduce in cadaveric studies and have a low biomechanical likelihood of occurrence due to the ulnar direction of pull of the extensor communis tendons. It has been suggested that the juncturae tendinum may have a stabilising role, preventing radial subluxation after ulnar sagittal band rupture; however this has not been established. Methods. 40 cadaveric digits were dissected to reveal the extensor mechanism around the MCP joints. The ulnar sagittal bands were released and then the juncturae tendinum divided, in stages, before observing for radial subluxation or dislocation during finger flexion. Results. Radial subluxation of the extensor tendon was observed in only one digit after complete ulnar sagisttal band release. When all the fingers were flexed, after the juncturae tendinorum were divided, four additional tendons subluxed radially and a fifth tendon dislocated in this direction. When the digits were then flexed individually, there were eight unstable tendons in total. Conclusions. The juncturae tendinum appear to have a role in stabilising the extensor communis tendons at the MCP joints and preventing radial subluxation after ulnar sagittal band rupture.