Documented variations of extensor digitorum attachments: the new normal

James VAN NESS, Mario J. CIANI

Abstract

Findings associated with the presented case study combined with subsequent additional cadaver dissections confirmed that the extensor digiti minimi is significantly more common as the sole extensor of the 5th digit and the extensor digitorum has minimal or no direct contribution to the extensor mechanism of the 5th digit. These findings are contrary to what most textbooks have discussed and therefore contrary to what is commonly taught in most anatomy curriculums. These cadaverific observations represent a more common dorsal extrinsic muscle tendon arrangement which is of particular importance when corrective surgical procedures are indicated.