Tomas Borgström, Lars B Dahlin, Jørgen Tranum-Jensen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Our aim was to clarify the anatomy and function of the retinacular ligaments. Forty-eight fingers were dissected and the thickness of the oblique retinacular ligament (ORL) was graded. In four fingers, the motion in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints was subjected to an in-depth analysis before and after sectioning of either the lateral bands (LB) or the ORLs. The function of the ORLs in restricting flexion of the DIP joint with full extension of the PIP joint was measured in 10 fingers. An ORL could be identified on both sides in all 48 fingers. The distribution of the insertion on the proximal phalanx was 7/96 (7%) in the distal third, 70/96 (73%) in the middle third and 19/96 (20%) in the proximal third. Among the specimens, 29% were graded as having a strong bundle of fibers, 51% as having well-defined and regular fibers and 20% as having thin and sparse fibers. With the PIP joint extended, there was a statistically significant increase in flexion of the DIP joint after the ORL was cut. After the LB was sectioned, the ORL was able to extend the DIP joint with an extension lag of 10-22°. Cutting the ORL did not affect the ability to extend that joint. We conclude that the retinacular ligaments are consistent. Their major role is not connected with finger movement, but to provide stabilizing links between the PIP and DIP joints. They are active in not only specific, uncommon finger positions but also in ordinary use of the fingers.
期刊介绍:
Clinical Anatomy is the Official Journal of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists and the British Association of Clinical Anatomists. The goal of Clinical Anatomy is to provide a medium for the exchange of current information between anatomists and clinicians. This journal embraces anatomy in all its aspects as applied to medical practice. Furthermore, the journal assists physicians and other health care providers in keeping abreast of new methodologies for patient management and informs educators of new developments in clinical anatomy and teaching techniques. Clinical Anatomy publishes original and review articles of scientific, clinical, and educational interest. Papers covering the application of anatomic principles to the solution of clinical problems and/or the application of clinical observations to expand anatomic knowledge are welcomed.