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An anatomical study of additional radial wrist extensors including a unique extensor carpi radialis accessorius
C T West1, D Ricketts2, C Brassett3
1University of Cambridge. charles.west@bsuh.nhs.uk.
Background:
In this study, 82 forearms from 41 cadavers were dissected to establish the incidence of variant additional radial wrist extensors. Three variants have been described in the literature: extensor carpi radialis intermedius (ECRI), extensor carpi radialis accessorius (ECRA) and extensor carpi radialis tertius (ECRT).
Materials And Methods:
Of the 41 cadavers studied, 5/41 (12%) had an additional radial wrist extensor. Of these 5 individuals, 2 had bilateral additional muscles and 3 were unilateral. Of the 82 forearms, 7/82 (9%) had additional radial wrist extensors.
Results:
We found 4 examples of ECRI and 3 examples of ECRA. We did not find any examples of ECRT. One specimen of ECRA had an atypical, previously undescribed, course.
Conclusions:
These accessory muscles are of clinical relevance, as they may be a contributing factor in tennis elbow and nerve entrapment, or cause diagnostic confusion, especially in ultrasound scans. However, they may also be used for tendon transfer. Of the 7 muscles found in the current study, 3 would have been suitable for such procedures.
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