Course of the extensor pollicis longus tendon considering the different functional positions of the wrist and the first ray—an anatomical study

The aim of this anatomical study was to evaluate the course of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon, its positional relationship to adjacent structures, and the resulting clinical relevance under consideration of various functional positions.

Twenty upper extremities from ten adult human cadavers embalmed using Thiel’s method were included in this study. The greatest possible movement/slippage of the EPL tendon, the angle at which the tendon wraps around Lister’s tubercle, and its course across the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis (ECRL and ECRB) were recorded and defined in all functional positions.

Our findings demonstrate a high range of motion of the tendon in relation to clinically relevant structures.

Understanding the anatomical course of the EPL tendon, its potential extent of movement, and its resulting positional changes is essential for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of patients with complaints or injuries in the dorsoradial wrist region.