Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus: A Comprehensive Review of this Variant Muscle of the Dorsal Hand

Abstract

The extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) is a variant muscle located on the dorsum of the hand. This variant of the fourth compartment has often eluded preoperative diagnosis and led to unnecessary repeat visits to the operating room owing to its lack of notoriety. As a result, we aim to review the literature concerning the EDBM with respect to its embryology, comparative anatomy and variants, and clinical significance in an attempt to increase awareness and help in preoperative diagnosis and management. A total of 21 articles were reviewed. The results show that the EDBM often goes underdiagnosed and is frequently discovered incidentally in the operating room or in cadaveric dissections. There are multiple variations of the EDBM that, in certain instances, dictate the correct method of management. While there has been a reversal of opinions on which technique is the most popular at relieving symptoms caused by the EDBM, current arguments stand for retinacular release only when the EDBM serves as a sole extensor for one of the indices. In other instances where this is not the case, surgical excision of the EDBM proved to be the most effective at relieving symptoms.

Keywords: excision; extensor digitorum brevis manus; management; variants.

Figure 1. Example of extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle (white arrows) found during surgery of the left hand. For reference, note the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle (black arrow).