Publication

Abstract : On the dorsum of the hand, proximal to the metacarpo-phalangeal joints, interconnecting bands called ‘juncturae tendinae’ extend between the tendons of extensor digitorum longus. These juncturae tendinae are clinically important since the finger extension can be preserved when the extensor digitorum longus is lacerated proximal to the juncturaetendinae connecting that finger to an intact extensor tendon. Varying morphologies of juncturae tendinae have been described in the literature. The knowledge of morphology of juncturae tendinum is important as it has functional and surgical importance. This study was undertaken to observe the morphology of juncturae tendinae in adult cadavers and still born fetuses of South Indian origin. A total of 50 forearms and dorsum of the hands were dissected. This included 30 adult cadaveric hands and 20 still born fetal hands of either sex. The following features of juncturae tendinae were noted: their gross morphology, size, shape and location. Juncturae tendinae were absent in the 1st intermetacarpal space of all the dissected hands. Type 1 juncturae tendinae was present in 68 % of the second intermetacarpal space and in 48% of the third intermetacarpal space. In the 4th intermetacarpal space most of the juncturae tendinae were of ‘3r’ type rather than ‘3y’ type; these types of juncturae tendinae were absent in the second intermetacarpal space as described in the literature. The present anatomical data may help the hand surgeons to modify their surgical procedure for better outcome.