Flexor Tendon Anatomy

The flexor tendon system of the hand consists of the flexor muscles of the forearm, their tendinous extensions, and the specialized digital flexor sheaths. These components work in concert to produce smooth and efficient flexion of the individual digits of the hand. Injury to the flexor tendon system can lead to significant morbidity for patients. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]}

In addition to having technical expertise, experienced hand surgeons must have precise knowledge of flexor tendon anatomy to guide appropriate treatment of injuries to the flexor tendon system. (See the images below.) ^{[14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]}

The forearm can be divided anatomically into anterior and posterior compartments. The anterior compartment contains the flexor-pronator group of muscles, most of which arise from a common flexor attachment on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The 8 muscles of the anterior compartment may be divided further into 3 distinct functional groups, as follows: (1) muscles that rotate the radius on the ulna, (2) muscles that flex the wrist, and (3) muscles that flex the digits. The muscles that flex the digits include the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), and the flexor pollicis longus (FPL).

Flexor digitorum profundus

The FDP muscle is a long, thick muscle that originates from the proximal three fourths of the medial and anterior surfaces of the ulna and interosseous membrane. According to Moore, the FDP clothes the anterior surface of the ulna. ^[21] Occasionally, a proximal attachment to the radius is present just distal to the radial tuberosity. As the single muscle belly of the FDP travels distally in the forearm, it separates into a radial bundle and an ulnar bundle. At the musculotendinous junction, the radial bundle forms the profundus tendon of the index finger. The ulnar bundle forms interdigitating slips that are covered by a single paratenon, ultimately forming the individual profundus tendons of the middle, ring, and small fingers.

Motor branches from the C8 and T1 distribution of the ulnar nerve provide innervation for the ring and small finger muscle bellies. The anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve (C8 and T1) innervates the index and middle finger muscle bellies.

The blood supply of the FDP muscle is made up of muscular branches from the ulnar artery, anterior interosseous artery, and common interosseous artery. Each tendon arising from the FDP muscle flexes the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.

Flexor digitorum superficialis

The FDS, as its name suggests, lies superficial to the FDP in the anterior compartment of the forearm. This muscle has 2 heads of origin in the proximal forearm. The ulnar head of the FDS arises from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the medial collateral ligament of the elbow joint; a contribution from the coronoid process may also be present. The radial head arises from an area distal to the radial tuberosity.

The FDS muscle forms 4 distinct bundles in the middle aspect of the forearm, each of which, in turn, forms 4 distinct tendons in the distal forearm. The tendons to the middle and ring fingers lie superficial to the tendons of the index and little fingers, a relationship that aids in their identification during surgery. Innervation to the FDS muscle is provided by the C7, C8, and T1 distribution of the median nerve.

The arterial blood supply of this muscle is provided by branches of the artery of the median nerve, muscular branches of the ulnar artery, and, occasionally, branches of the radial artery. The FDS tendons to the index, long, ring, and small fingers insert into the respective middle phalanx of the digit. The primary function of the FDS is to flex the PIP joint.

Flexor pollicis longus

The FPL muscle lies lateral to the FDP muscle and originates from the midanterior aspect of the radius and adjacent interosseous membrane. The single muscle belly gives rise to 1 tendon, and it is innervated by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve (C8 and T1). The FPL inserts into the distal phalanx of the thumb, and its action is to flex the interphalangeal and the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the thumb.

The anatomic relationships of the flexor tendons are usually discussed in terms of zones, shown in the image below. The 5 flexor tendon zones are modifications of Verdan's original work, which based zone boundaries from distal to proximal on anatomic factors that influenced prognosis following flexor tendon repair. ^[22] The 5 zones discussed below apply only to the index through small fingers—separate zone boundaries exist for the thumb flexor tendon.

Zone I consists of the profundus tendon only and is bounded proximally by the insertion of the superficialis tendons and distally by the insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon into the distal phalanx.

Zone II is often referred to as "Bunnell's no man's land," indicating the frequent occurrence of restrictive adhesion bands around lacerations in this area. Proximal to zone II, the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons lie superficial to the FDP tendons. Within zone II and at the level of the proximal third of the proximal phalanx, the FDS tendons split into 2 slips, collectively known as Camper chiasma. These slips then divide around the FDP tendon and reunite on the dorsal aspect of the FDP, inserting into the distal end of the middle phalanx.

Zone III extends from the distal edge of the carpal ligament to the proximal edge of the A1 pulley, which is the entrance of the tendon sheath (see the A1 pulley in the image above). Within zone III, the lumbrical muscles originate from the FDP tendons. The distal palmar crease superficially marks the termination of zone III and the beginning of zone II.

Zone IV includes the carpal tunnel and its contents (ie, the 9 digital flexors and the median nerve). Zone V extends from the origin of the flexor tendons at their respective muscle bellies to the proximal edge of the carpal tunnel.

The digital flexor sheath is a closed synovial system consisting of membranous and retinacular portions. The membranous portion is made up of visceral and parietal layers that invest the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons in the distal aspect of the hand. The retinacular component consists of tissue condensations arranged in cruciform, annular, and transverse patterns that overlie the membranous, or synovial, lining.

Ultrastructural analysis by Cohen and Kaplan confirmed that the flexor tendon sheath is a continuous, uninterrupted membrane. ^[23] The parietal and visceral layers are qualitatively similar, and synoviocytes are morphologically identical throughout the length of the flexor sheath. (See the image below.)

The digital flexor sheath has been proposed to have a 3-fold function, as follows: (1) it facilitates smooth gliding of the tendons; (2) the retinacular component acts as a fulcrum, adding a mechanical advantage to flexion; (3) it is a contained system, or bursa, with synovial fluid bathing the tendons and aiding in their nutrition.

The membranous portion of the sheath appears macroscopically as a number of cul-de-sacs, or plicae, that interdigitate between the tendons and the retinacular tissue condensations. The first cul-de-sac is located approximately 10-14 mm proximal to the distal metacarpal head and represents the point of transition between the parietal and visceral layers of synovium. This outpouching occurs for each separate tendon, in effect forming 2 separate plicae. (Note that this is true only for the middle 3 rays of the hand. In most instances, the first- and fifth-digit synovial layers begin much more proximally at the level of the wrist, and are referred to as the radial and ulnar bursa, respectively.)

Distally, the parietal layer of synovium forms plicae between each of the retinacular elements of the pulley system. The synovium ends distally, forming a final, single cul-de-sac prior to the insertion of the FDP tendon on the distal phalanx. According to Doyle, in a study of 61 cadaver fingers, the distal synovial layer did not extend past the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. ^[24]

The retinacular portion, or pulley system, of the flexor tendon sheath has been described extensively. Doyle described this pulley system as fibrous tissue bands of various width, thickness, and configuration that overlie the synovial sheath. ^[25] The pulley system is thought to consist of the palmar aponeurosis (PA) pulley, 5 annular pulleys, and 3 cruciform pulleys. (See the image below.) The system supplies mechanical advantage by maintaining the flexor tendons close to the joint's axis of motion. In doing so, the pulleys prevent bowstringing, which makes up interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint motion.

Palmar aponeurosis pulley

The PA pulley consists of transverse fascicular bands arising from the PA. ^[26] The bands are approximately 1 cm in width, and the proximal edge of the pulley is 1-3 mm proximal to the origin of the membranous tendon sheath. The distal edge lies approximately 8-10 mm from the proximal edge of the first annular pulley. The PA pulley is anchored by vertical septa that attach to the deep transverse metacarpal ligament beneath the tendons. This pulley is not as closely applied to the surface of the flexor tendons as the annular and cruciate pulleys. However, during the act of grasping, increased tension on the palmar fascia by the flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus muscles moves the pulley closer to the tendon surface.

Annular pulleys

The 5 annular pulleys are as follows:

• A1 pulley - The first annular pulley arises from the palmar plate and proximal portion of the proximal phalanx, overlies the membranous sheath at the level of the MCP joint, and is approximately 8 mm in width; this pulley is released during surgical treatment of trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)

• A2 pulley - The second annular pulley consists of oblique fibers that overlie annular fibers, originates from the proximal and lateral areas of the proximal phalanx, and is approximately 17 mm in width; this pulley should always be preserved when dealing with injuries to the retinacular system

• A3 pulley - The third annular pulley is located at the level of the PIP joint; it attaches to the palmar plate and is approximately 3 mm in width

• A4 pulley - Like the A2 pulley, the fourth annular pulley, located in the middle phalanx, also consists of oblique fibers overlying annular fibers and is always preserved during surgery of the retinacular system; the A4 pulley is approximately 6.7 mm in width and has been shown to be the most important biomechanical pulley for maintaining independent interphalangeal joint function

• A5 pulley - The fifth annular pulley is located proximal to the DIP joint, just proximal to the termination of the membranous sheath; the A5 pulley is the thinnest of the 5 annular pulleys and has a width of 4 mm

Cruciform pulleys

The 3 cruciform pulleys are as follows:

• C1 pulley - The first cruciform pulley lies just distal to the A2 pulley

• C2 pulley - The second cruciform pulley is located in the space between the A3 and A4 pulleys

• C3 pulley - The third cruciform pulley is located distal to the A4 pulley; a number of anatomic variations have been described for the retinacular system

Thumb flexor tendon sheath

A separate flexor tendon sheath has been described for the thumb. ^[27] The membranous portion of the sheath originates proximal to the radial styloid in the wrist and invests the single FPL tendon. The retinacular system consists of 3 separate pulleys overlying the membranous sheath, as follows:

• A1 pulley - The first annular pulley is located at the level of the MCP joint; it is approximately 9 mm wide and originates from the volar plate and base of the proximal phalanx

• Oblique pulley - This pulley overlies the sheath at the midportion of the proximal phalanx; the fibers of the pulley are angled obliquely in a proximal ulnar–to–distal radial direction, the pulley is 11 mm wide, and fibers from the adductor pollicis insertion make up the proximal portion (the oblique pulley is always preserved during surgery of the retinacular system)

• A2 pulley - The second annular pulley is 10 mm in width and attaches to the volar plate of the interphalangeal joint

Additional details

The function of the flexor tendon sheath becomes apparent with an understanding of its anatomy. Bunnell described the membranous portion of the tendon sheath as an adaptation that allows tendons to turn corners when he stated, "It glides around a curve on a thin film of synovial fluid between two smooth synovial lined surfaces, just as metal surfaces in machinery glide on a thin film of oil." ^[28]

Strauch and de Moura described the membranous synovial lining as a closed mesenteric system that resembles those of the abdominal and thoracic cavities more than those of a joint space. ^[29] Furthermore, the cul-de-sacs between the retinacular pulleys allow for contraction and expansion of the entire system as the digits respectively flex and extend.

With respect to the function of the retinacular system, Doyle described 3 key anatomic adaptations that prevent buckling of the entire system during flexion: (1) the broad A2 and A4 pulleys are located between joints, whereas the narrow A1 and A3 pulleys are positioned over joints; (2) an anatomic accommodation always exists between the A1 and A2 pulleys; (3) the thin and narrow cruciform pulleys are located near joints where they are able to accommodate flexion more readily than the larger annular pulleys can.

Manske and Lesker described the functional anatomy of the proximal pulley system in terms of total range of motion of digital flexion. ^[30] The PA, A1, and A2 pulleys of each individual digit in 12 cadaver hands were cut sequentially. The total loss in range of motion was then calculated for the various permutations of remaining pulleys.

In terms of functional significance, Manske and Lesker found that the A2 pulley was the most important, followed by the A1 and PA pulleys, respectively. However, loss of flexion with a missing A1 or A2 pulley was proven to be insignificant in the presence of an intact PA pulley. With the absence of an A1 or A2 pulley, loss of flexion was significantly greater when combined with loss of the PA pulley, leading the authors to conclude that the PA pulley should be spared at all costs when repairing hand injuries.

Beneath the annular pulleys and on tendon surfaces that are distant from the vincula (from the French, vincio, meaning "to bind"; see the image below) and cul-de-sacs, the synovial layer is attenuated. In these areas, the synovial cells are sparse and widely spaced, and the supporting collagen is thin and laminar. Furthermore, capillaries are rarely seen. However, the cul-de-sacs and areas of vincular origin demonstrate a synovial layer that is several cells thick, replete with capillaries and loosely organized collagen bundles. ^[31]

From their musculotendinous origin to the level of the A1 pulley, the flexor tendons receive their blood supply from the surrounding paratenon—a filmy layer of connective tissue that invests the tendon. The vascular supply is positioned primarily within the dorsal surface of the tendon; segmental blood vessels arise within the connective tissue, enter the tendon, and run longitudinally between tendon fascicles to supply nutrients.

The flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscles and the FDS tendons are known to have an overlying avascular segment at the level of the proximal phalanx. The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) has an additional avascular zone at the level of the middle phalanx. However, when the tendons enter the flexor sheath, they are no longer surrounded by paratenon but are incorporated within the visceral lining of synovium instead.

Blood vessels are rarely, if ever, seen surrounding the tendons within the sheath. Within the sheath, the only connection between the tendons and the periphery is at the level of the vincula, which are folds of mesotenon that carry a blood supply to the tendons within the sheath. A number of variations exist, but most commonly, each tendon within the sheath is supplied by 2 vincula, 1 long (vinculum longum) and 1 short (vinculum breve).

The FDS receives a short and long vinculum at the level of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. The FDS receives a long vinculum at the level of the PIP joint, and the FDP receives a short vinculum at the level of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. In addition, each vinculum is supplied by a transverse communicating branch of the digital arteries.

In the thumb, the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon also is supplied by 2 vincula within the sheath. The first vinculum receives vessels either from both digital arteries or from the princeps pollicis artery alone, whereas the second and more distal vinculum receives vessels from only the digital arteries. All vincula enter on the dorsal aspect of the flexor sheath, and in fact, most intratendinous blood vessels are seen dorsally. ^[32]

Within the flexor sheath, the tendons are also known to receive a significant amount of nutrition by diffusion from the surrounding synovial fluid. Since the turn of the 21st century, controversy has existed as to which method, diffusion or perfusion, is more important for tendon nutrition and healing. Currently, diffusion is thought to be a more important pathway than perfusion.

Researchers have used many methods—including vascular injection studies, isotope and nonisotope tracer studies, and tendon healing studies—in attempting to determine the relative contribution of each type of nutrition. A detailed explanation of these studies is beyond the scope of this article, but the interested reader is referred to the excellent work by Manske and Lesker. ^[33]