The Tendon of the Anatomical Snuffbox Exists in Numerous Configurations

Abstract

Introduction: The muscles connected to the anatomical snuff box are crucial for stabilising the wrist. De Quervian's Syndrome and tendinitis are conditions caused by morphological abnormalities in these muscles, which are often developing in nature. There is limited information available about the tendon types in the Nepalese population, despite studies showing distinct tendon-splitting patterns of the abductor pollicis longus (APL), extensor pollicis longus (EPL), and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB).

Methods: A routine dissection of 30 upper limbs from 15 cadavers was carried out according to Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy, Volume 1. Age estimation was not done, but all the cadavers in the department that had entire upper limbs were examined. The forearm's flexor and extensor compartments were dissected. It was done to trace the muscle’s tendons up to their insertion. The investigation eliminated any upper limbs with fractures or wrist or forearm deformities.

Results: Seven upper limbs, out of 30, only possessed one tendon. All the upper limbs have a trapezium and the base of the first metatarsal bone where the APL was inserted. It was noted that neither EPB nor EPL had changed. APL and EPL did not split within a single osseo-fibrous tunnel in any specimen.

Conclusions: Anatomical information on the muscles' fibres and their insertion at anatomical snuff boxes is provided in this study. When considering alterations at the wrist joint under pathological situations, these statistics could be considered.