Cadaveric study of extensor retinaculum of the wrist

Introduction: The function of the wrist extensor retinaculum is to prevent the extensor tendon bowstringing. Because the retinaculum is damaged by hand trauma and surgical exposure during the wrist surgery, the knowledge of anatomy of the retinaculum helps surgeons to restore the normal function of the extensor retinaculum. Material and Methods: The morphological variation of the retinaculum and average length and width of both septal attachment of the retinaculum were examined using 50 fresh donor cadavers. Results: Our finding found that the extensor retinaculum was white thickening fascia which arranged in transverse direction across over the wrist extensor group. The original retinaculum was defined as the part inserted from the radius to the pisiform and triquetrum. The mean length was ranging 10-35 mm and the mean width of proximal and distal end was 62-93 mm and 64-89 mm, respectively. There were supplemental retinaculums where was located on the proximal and distal to the original retinaculum. These retinaculums were thinner and more translucent. We found four patterns of attachment sites of the proximal retinaculum and five patterns for the distal extensor retinaculum. In addition, the average septal attachment size was varied from 1.24 to 27.81 mm in length and width was 0.33-20.50 mm for the real retinaculum. W also found the 84% present of the septal attachment beside the 6th compartment in ulnar side. Discussion and Conclusion: The knowledge of anatomical characteristic of the extensor retinaculum includes morphology, dimensions, and septal attachment is benefit for surgery.