Finger abduction as a novel function of the extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle

Abstract

A 25-year-old female presented with a chronic scapho-lunate ligament injury with development of carpal instability requiring reconstruction. During a standard dorsal longitudinal mid-line approach to the carpus, an extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) muscle was found taking its origin from the dorsal wrist capsule overlying the lunate with innervation from the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN). Electrical stimulation of the muscle belly demonstrated abduction of the middle finger. The EDBM is a rare anatomical variant of the extensor compartment of the wrist and may be encountered during surgical approaches. Where possible these variant muscles should be carefully dissected off underlying structures, preserved and repaired at the conclusion of a procedure to ensure no perceived functional deficit to the patient. We present a case of a previously undescribed EDBM muscle function of pure finger abduction with no extension and a surgical technique of preserving its origin. We propose that the middle finger variant of the EDBM should be re-named the extensor digitorum brevis medius to reflect our findings.