The Abductor Pollicis Longus Tendon as an Alternative Graft in Hand Surgery

Abstract

Initial treatment of damaged tendons after soft tissue trauma of the hand can be performed with primary tendon reconstruction or with tendon grafts if indicated. The most frequently used tendons are from the palmaris longus and plantaris muscles. Nonetheless, these muscles may not be present or their anatomic characteristics might not suitable for reconstructive procedures. Here, we present an alternative surgical technique for tendon reconstruction of the hand using abductor pollicis longus accessory tendons as grafts. The abductor pollicis longus can be considered an excellent choice of graft for tendon reconstruction of the hand because of its multiple bellies, ease of extraction, and limited donor site morbidity and the frequent absence of the palmaris longus tendon.