Abstract
Purpose
The double tendon of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was observed on the left leg of a 80-year-old male cadaver.
Methods
A male cadaver 80 years old was subjected to routine anatomical dissection for research and teaching purposes.
Results
The main tendon of the EDL muscle started just at the end of the muscle belly. However, the accessory tendon started at the tendinous end of the muscle as a continuation of the muscle. The main and accessory tendons split into two more slips after passing through the same tunnel below the extensor retinaculum. There was also difference on ending of the tendon slips of EDL muscle. The main tendon divided into two tendinous slips on the dorsum of the foot attached to the second and third toes. The accessory tendon divided into two tendinous slips on the dorsum of the foot attached to the fourth and the fifth toes.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the tendons and anatomical differences of this muscle is important for surgeons in interventional procedures involving the dorsum of the foot.
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Data availability
Please contact author for data requests (Burcu Kamaşak—email address: brc1608@hotmail.com).
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Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind’s overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude.
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BK: project development, data collection and management, data analysis and manuscript writing. MHK: data collection and manuscript writing. TU: project development, data analysis and manuscript editing. AU: manuscript editing. KA: manuscript editing. All the authors have read and approved the manuscript.
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This study was conducted on cadaver; it is among the studies that do not require ethics committee approval. The cadaver belonged to the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University. This study was reviewed and deemed exempt by our Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Faculty of Medicine Ethical Committee.
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Kamaşak, B., Kırındı, M.H., Ulcay, T. et al. An unique unilateral tendon variation of the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Surg Radiol Anat 44, 1427–1430 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-022-03040-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-022-03040-4