Variations of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon and its insertion: a study of 44 cadaveric hands

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon, in particular its insertion, in 44 preserved hands from 23 cadavers. We found that only 25% of the tendons were inserted in the conventional way, viz, into the base of the proximal phalanx, and confirmed that the course and insertion of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon varies widely. The importance of these findings to the practice of hand surgery is discussed.