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Finger joint motion generated by individual extrinsic muscles: a cadaveric study
Ashish D Nimbarte1, Rodrigo Kaz, Zong-Ming Li
1Hand Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
|July 16, 2008
Summary
This study quantifies index finger joint motion from individual extrinsic muscles. Findings reveal specific muscle contributions to finger flexion and extension, clarifying extrinsic muscle kinematics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Anatomy
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Current understanding of finger muscle function relies on functional anatomy.
- Precise motion effects of individual extrinsic muscles remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific phalangeal joint motions of the index finger.
- To determine the motion generated by each extrinsic finger muscle.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ten fresh-frozen cadaveric hands for dissection.
- Established baseball sutures at musculotendinous junctions of index finger extrinsic muscles.
- Loaded tendons to 10% force potential and captured joint motion (MCP, PIP, DIP) via motion capture.
Main Results:
- Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) produced flexion at MCP, PIP, and DIP joints.
- Flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) produced flexion at MCP and PIP joints, with no DIP motion.
- Extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and extensor indicis proprius (EIP) produced extension at MCP, PIP, and DIP joints.
Conclusions:
- Provides novel insights into the kinematic roles of individual extrinsic finger muscles.
- Clarifies the specific joint movements attributable to each extrinsic muscle.
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