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Extensor Retinaculum of Hand

The extensor retinaculum is a thickened band of connective tissue located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist.

Its primary function is to hold the extensor tendons in place, preventing bowstringing during wrist and finger extension movements.

Welcome Fellow Medics! In this , we dive into the anatomy of the extensor retinaculum, a vital structure in the wrist that plays a key role in hand and wrist function.

 Location

  • It extends transversely across the back of the wrist.
  • It is an oblique band, directed downwards and towards the medial side.


Attachments of Extensor Retinaculum

Laterally: To the distal end of the radius.


Medially: it is attached to

  • pisiform bone.
  • triquetral bone.
  • Styloid process of Ulna.

Compartments of Extensor Retinaculum

​The extensor retinaculum creates septa that are attached to Radius bone.

This divides the back of the wrist into six compartments, each containing specific structure passing through it.

we dive into the anatomy of the extensor retinaculum, a vital structure in the wrist that plays a key role in hand and wrist function.

These 6 compartments from Lateral to Medial side are as follows.


1. First Compartment:


Structures:

  • Abductor pollicis longus.
  • extensor pollicis brevis.


Function: Thumb abduction and extension.

 2. Second Compartment:


Structures:

  • Extensor carpi radialis longus. 
  • extensor carpi radialis brevis.


Function: Wrist extension and radial deviation.

 3. Third Compartment:


Structures:

  • Extensor pollicis longus.

Function: Thumb extension.

 4. Fourth Compartment:


Structures:

  • Extensor digitorum.
  • extensor indicis.
  • Posterior interosseous nerve.
  • Anterior interosseous artery.


Function: Extension of the fingers and index finger.

 5. Fifth Compartment:


Structures:

  • Extensor digiti minimi.


Function: Extension of the little finger.

 6. Sixth Compartment:


Structures:

  • Extensor carpi ulnaris.


Function: Wrist extension and ulnar deviation.