Morphological and morphometric evaluation of intertendinous connections among extensor tendons in fetal hands

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine morphometry and morphology of intertendinous connection on fetal cadavers and perform an evidence on tendon relationships. Methods: Thirty dorsal fetal cadaveric hands were dissected. Morphometric measurements (length, width, beginning-ending angles and areas) of intertendinous connections were performed. The intertendinous connections were typed morphologically according to their shape and direction. Measurement values were obtained for the second, third and fourth intermetacarpal spaces. The measurement results were compared between right–left hand and male–female fetuses. Results: No intertendinous connections were present in the first intermetacarpal space in any dissected hands. Statistical differences were observed between the sides in terms of width, and beginning and end angles. Conclusion: Anatomical results of this study would be helpful in identifying intertendinous connection types, dimensions and their relationships to the extensor tendons, and would assist surgeons when choosing intertendinous connection as an additional structural resource for tendon repair especially pediatric cases.