Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE as a Suture Material in Tendon Surgery
Published on: October 6, 2022
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Location in Various Functional Hand Positions
Warot Ratanakoosakul1, Navapong Anantavorasakul1, Sopinan Siripoonyothai1
1Upper Extremity and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit, Institute of Orthopaedics, Lerdsin Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
Background: Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon injury is a significant complication following distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plate fixation. We were unable to find any studies investigating the FPL tendon in relation to the distal radius in various functional hand positions. The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate FPL tendon location in essential functional hand positions commonly encountered in daily life, including pulp pinch, key pinch, chuck grip, power grip, cylindrical grasp and spherical grasp. Methods: We assess the position of the FPL tendon and finger flexor tendons concerning the radius in various functional hand positions. Sixty-two wrists in 31 healthy volunteers were examined using transverse ultrasonography at the watershed area of the radius in six different functional hand positions, including pulp pinch, key pinch, chuck grip, power grip, cylindrical grasp and spherical grasp. Results: The shortest distance between the FPL tendon and radius was observed in the key pinch position with a mean of 3.37 mm, while the cylindrical grasp position showed the farthest distance with a mean of 4.21 mm. Conclusions: The location of the FPL tendon and finger flexor tendons varies across different functional hand positions. Our study shows that these tendons are closest to the radius when the hand is in the key pinch position. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Diagnostic).
More Related Videos
06:40Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
05:18Author Spotlight: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
Pulse Assessment Sites