Resumen

DE MENDONCA, Rodas, P. M. et al. Anatomical Characteristics of the Accessory Extensor Tendon of the Ring Finger, Originating from the Extensor digiti minimi Muscle. Int. J. Morphol. [online]. 2006, vol.24, n.3, pp. 505-508. ISSN 0717-9502.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-95022006000400034.

The extensor digiti minimi muscle originates from the posterior aspect of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus from a common tendon for the epicondilar muscles. The muscular belly is long and narrow and runs distally until it joins the ulnar side of a tendon over the radiocarpal articulation. Over the dorsum of the hand, this muscle is represented by a double tendon that insert in the extensor apparatus. Sometimes, these tendons give off an accessory tendon for the ring finger. The objective of this present study was to know the incidence, disposition and course of this accessory tendon. We are study 60 upper limbs from Brazilian adult cadavers of both sexs, fixed in formaldehyde 10%. The accessory tendon of the ring finger was found in 7 hands (11,7% of the cases). The presence of this tendon have functional and surgical importance; in extensor digitorum tendons injuries, this accessory tendon could be an alternative for recuperate the extension movement of the ring finger. Our results will complete the anatomic knowledge over the dorsal tendons of the hand

Palabras llave : Hand; Extensor muscles; Tendons; Orthopedy.