Extensor Tendon Compartments Of The Wrist

Question 1

What are extensor tendon compartments?

Answer 1

Six tunnels which transmit long extensor tendons from forearm into hand
Located on posterior aspect of wrist. Each tunnel lined internally by synovial sheath and separated from one another by fibrous septa

Question 2

Compartment 1

Answer 2

Located on lateral (radial) aspect of wrist
Transmits 2 tendons: extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus
These form lateral border of anatomical snuffbox

Question 3

Compartment 2

Answer 3

Contains extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis
Compartment separated from compartment 3 by listers tubercle (bony prominence of the distal aspect of radius)

Question 4

Compartment 3

Answer 4

Conducts extensor pollicis longus tendon (this forms the medial border of anatomical snuffbox)

Question 5

Compartment 4

Answer 5

Transmits tendons of extensor digitorum and extensor indicis

Question 6

Compartment 5

Answer 6

Contains extensor digiti minimi tendon, which travels into little finger

Question 7

Compartment 6

Answer 7

Located on medial (ulnar) aspect of wrist. Conducts tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris