From the Research
The extensor compartment of the forearm is divided into distinct groups of muscles, with the dorsal compartment containing nine muscles, including four superficial and five deep muscles, as described in the study by 1. The muscles in the extensor compartment of the forearm are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers.
- The superficial group includes the extensor digitorum communis, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris, and anconeus.
- The deep group includes the supinator, abductor longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus, and extensor indices. These muscles are separated by fibrous septa and covered by the extensor retinaculum at the wrist, which prevents bowstringing of tendons during extension. Understanding the anatomy of the extensor compartment is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions like De Quervain's tenosynovitis and for surgical approaches to the dorsal wrist and hand, as noted in the study by 1. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, provides the most accurate description of the extensor compartment of the forearm, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical practice. The study by 1 is the most relevant to the question, as it provides a detailed description of the dorsal compartment of the forearm, including the muscles and their anatomy. In contrast, the other studies, such as 2, 3, 4, and 5, provide information on related topics, but are not as directly relevant to the question of the extensor compartments of the forearm. Therefore, the recommendation is based on the findings of the study by 1, which provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on the extensor compartment of the forearm.