Accessory slips of the extensor digiti minimi

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Anatomical variations of extensor tendons are clinically significant.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for surgical procedures involving the hand.

Observation:

• A cadaver presented with an extensor digiti minimi (EDM) muscle exhibiting five tendinous slips.
• The EDM slips showed atypical insertions: two into the little finger, two into the dorsal aponeurosis of the middle and ring fingers, and one into the junctura tendinum in the fourth intermetacarpal space.

Findings:

• The extensor digiti minimi (EDM) demonstrated a rare five-slip configuration.
• Specific radial slips inserted into the middle and ring fingers, deviating from typical anatomy.

Implications:

• This anatomical variation highlights the importance of detailed pre-operative assessment.
• Accessory slips of the EDM can be valuable resources for reconstructive hand surgeons.
• Knowledge of such variations aids in restoring finger function after injury or disease.