The abducted little finger in low ulnar nerve palsy

In 12 dissections the extensor digiti minimi tendons inserted into the abductor tubercle of the proximal phalanx. In eight of the 12, the tendons passed to the ulnar side of the abductor-adductor axis of the metacarpophalangeal joint. A separate tendon from the extensor digitorum communis to the little finger was found in only one dissection, with all others showing a connecting band which varies in its obliquity and thus in its adducting effect. To correct an abducted little finger, the ulnar portion of the extensor digiti minimi was transferred to the radial side of the little finger. Two methods were used: (1) the tendon was passed to the volar side of the metacarpophalangeal joint, if the joint could be hyperextended; if not, (2) a simple transfer to the radial collateral ligament was performed.