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Many reports have been devoted to characterizing the significance of the pulleys for
the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP). However, no comparable work has been published
on the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). This study characterized the FDS in a
human cadaver model. Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver hands were used. By using a tensiometer,
data were gathered for tendon excursion, tendon load, and work of flexion. Changes
in efficiency were caused by excision of annular pulleys A1, A2, A3, and the palmar
aponeurotic pulley. We also measured the effect of FDP excision on FDS efficiency.
Sectioning of the A2 and A3 pulleys together caused statistically significant losses
of efficiency in all three parameters (work, load, and excursion). When the FDP was
removed from a finger with an intact pulley system, losses in both work and excursion
efficiencies were significant. Removing the FDP while cutting different pulleys caused
significant decrease in FDS excursion efficiency. We conclude that A2 and A3 are the
most important pulleys for maintaining normal FDS function, and that the presence
of the FDP in the digital sheath is essential for optimal FDS excursion efficiency.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 23,
1996
Received:
June 9,
1995
Footnotes
*No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 1997 The American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved. Published by Elsevier Inc.
