Abstract
The purpose of this study was to delineate the relationship of the terminal extensor
tendon insertion to the proximal limit of the germinal nail matrix. Sixteen fresh-frozen
human cadaver fingers without any evidence of trauma (average age, 55 years; 3 males
and 1 female) were used for this study. Under ×25 magnification the proximal limit
of the germinal nail matrix and the terminal bony insertion of the extensor tendon
were identified. The distance from the terminal tendon insertion to the germinal nail
matrix was ascertained using precision calipers. The average distance from the terminal
extensor tendon insertion to the proximal edge of the germinal nail matrix was found
to be 1.2 mm. We conclude that the proximal limit of the germinal matrix is extremely
close to the terminal extensor tendon bony insertion. When the extensor tendon insertion
is visualized during operative exposures of the dorsum of the distal phalanx, care
should be taken to avoid damaging the germinal matrix. Conversely, when the nail bed
is being completely excised, visualization of the insertion of the extensor tendon
will indicate that further proximal dissection is not required. (J Hand Surg 2000;25A:1114-1117.
Copyright © 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 16,
2000
Received:
February 25,
2000
Footnotes
*No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
**Reprint requests: Robert J. Strauch, MD, 161 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032.
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
