Synovial Sheaths of Hand:
Ulnar Bursa, Radial Bursa, and Digital Synovial Sheath
What are Flexor Sheaths of hand?
The ulnar bursa, radial bursa, and digital synovial sheaths
are flexor sheaths of hand.
They are essential for the proper function of the hand, providing lubrication and protection for the flexor tendons.
1. Ulnar Bursa
- Location:
The ulnar bursa is located in the palm and extends from the wrist into the little finger.
It is located on medial side of hand.
- Structure:
Proximally: Begins proximal to the flexor retinaculum, enclosing the tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus.
Distally: Extends into the little finger, where it becomes continuous with the digital synovial sheath of the little finger.
2. Radial Bursa
- Location:
The radial bursa is located in the wrist and thumb.
It is a separate synovial sheath located on the lateral side of hand.
It is a synovial sheath of tendon of flexor pollicis longus muscle.
- Structure:
Proximally: Begins proximal to the flexor retinaculum.
Distally: Envelops the tendon of the flexor pollicis longus and extends into the thumb, where it becomes continuous with digital synovial sheath of the thumb.
3. Digital Synovial Sheaths
Location:
- Located along the length of the fingers. They enclose the flexor tendons in the fingers.
- The digital sheath of little finger is continuous with ulnar bursa.
- The digital sheath of thumb is continuous with radial bursa.
- The digital sheaths of index, middle and ring fingers is independent and separate.
- Structure:
Proximally: Begin at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints.
Distally: Extend to the distal phalanges.
