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Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
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Extensor Indicis



- Discussion:
    - along w/ EDC forms tunnel IV;

- Anatomy:
    - origin:       dorsal surface of distal half of ulna;
    - insertion:   index finger and EDC tendon at MCP level;
    - action:         extension of all phalanges of index finger;
    - nerve:         deep radial, C6, C7, C8;
    - synergists: extensor digitorum;

- Exam:
    - evaluated by having the patient make a fist, then extend index finger;

- Tendon Transfer:
    - extensor indicis sometimes transferred surgically to replace torn EPL tendon;
    - when performing tendon transfers   the following are important:
          - by sectioning EIP   proximal to sagittal hood, one can perform tendon transfer,
                & also maintain independent extension of index finger;
    - hazards:
          - beaware that in some situations (rheumatoid arthritis) the EDC to the index finger may have
                ruptured, and in this case, extensor indicis transfer is contra-indicated;
          - there are usually very few problems w/ extensor tendon lag if one does not tether or
                tighten the saggital fibers of the index finger;





Independent index extension after extensor indicis proprius transfer.
    J. Moore et al.   J. Hand Surg. Vol 12-A. p 232. 1987.

Prevention of extensor lag after indicis proprius tendon transfer.
    EZ Browne. J. Hand Surg. Vol 4. p 168. 1979.

Extensor indicis proprius opponensplasty.
    Burkhalter, W. E., Christensen, R. C., and Brown, P.:   J. Bone Joint Surg. 55A:725, 1973.

Independent index extension after indicis proprius transfer: excision of juncturae tendinum.
















Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.