A cadaveric study of first dorsal extensor compartment in Africans: Clinical implications

Abstract

While several reports have been made regarding the anatomic variations in the first dorsal extensor compartment, very few have emanated from Africa.  This study looked at this compartment with respect to variations in the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the enclosed tendons. The first dorsal  extensor compartment of the hand was studied in 32 formalin preserved adult African cadavers. The superficial branch of the radial nerve emerged from  underneath the brachioradialis 8.4cm(sd±2.2cm) proximal to the radial styloid and branched 6.2cm (sd ±1.5cm) proximal to it as well. This nerve along  with the cephalic vein or its tributary transversed part of the compartment in all the hands. A double Extensor pollicis longus was found in one hand.  Septations were observed in 31.3 %(n=10) of the hands. Abductor pollicis longus tendon was fused in three hands, and had more than one slip in 94% of  the hands. A single extensor pollicis brevis tendon was found all dissected hands. Clinical implications of these findings are highlighted in this work.