Work

Thenar insertion of abductor pollicis longus accessory tendons and thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

Year: 2000

Type: article

Abstract: Although the etiology of osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint remains unclear, some theories have focused on variations in the local anatomy of the abductor pollicis longus tendon insertion. This cadaver study of 68 specimens analyzed the relationship between a thenar insertion of an accessory abductor pollicis longus tendon and the presence and severity of thumb CMC osteoarthritis. The joint cartilage surfaces were visually graded for degenerative changes. Thirty-five of 68 specimens (51%) had a thenar insertion, most frequently inserting on either the abductor pollicis brevis or opponens pollicis fascia or muscle belly. No significant association between a thenar insertion and thumb CMC arthritis was observed. Conversely, increasing age was noted to have a significant association with degenerative joint disease. Thus, these findings indicate that a thenar slip of the abductor pollicis longus tendon does not correlate with the presence or severity of CMC osteoarthritis.

Source: The Journal Of Hand Surgery

DOI: 10.1053/jhsu.2000.6463

Authors: Michael S. Roh, Robert J. Strauch, Liangfeng Xu, Melvin P. Rosenwasser, Robert J. Pawluk, Van C. Mow

Institutions: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450