Extensor mechanism of fingers

The extensor mechanism of the hand is a finely balanced, complex network that brings together the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the finger and a system of retaining ligaments to produce movement of the digit.

The extensor mechanism of the hand comprises:

• Tendons of :

  • Tendons of Extensor digital tendon (EDC)/Extensor indicis proper (EIP)/Extensor digital minimi (EDM)

  • Tendons of lumbricals

  • Tendons of interossei

• Retinacular system :

  • Sagittal bands

  • Retinacular ligaments

  • Triangular ligaments