Saddle deformity. Posttraumatic interosseous-lumbrical adhesions: review of eighty-seven cases

Trauma to the hand can result in adhesions between the interosseous and lumbrical muscles with subsequent painful impingement on the deep transverse metacarpal ligament during intrinsic contraction. If these adhesions also develop between the intrinsic muscles and the deep transverse metacarpal ligaments or metacarpophalangeal capsule, discomfort may be produced by stretching of the intrinsic tendons. Release of these adhesions, partial resection of the ligament, and early mobilization can produce relief of the symptoms. Eighty-seven cases are reviewed with respect to causes, diagnosis, and treatment.