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Adductor pollicis

Contents

General information

  • Is a part of the thenar muscles

Position

  • Superficial in the area between the thumb and index finger

Origin

  • Oblique-head
    • Os capitatum
    • Base of 2. metacarpal
    • Base of 3. metacarpal
  • Transverse-head
    • Palmar surface of 3. metacarpal-head

Insertion

  • Oblique-head
    • Base of proximal phalanx of the thumb, medial side
    • Dorsal digital expansion
  • Transverse-head
    • Base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb, medial side

Main function

  • Thumb CMC
    • Adduction

Secondary function

  • Thumb CMC
    • Flexion
  • Thumb MCP
    • Flexion
  • Thumb IP
    • Extension

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C8-Th1
  • Peripheral
    • Nervus ulnaris

Arterial supply

  • Radial artery

Palpation

  • Patient position: Sitting or supine
  • Place your fingers in the area between the index finger and the thumb
  • Ask the patient to make an adduction movement of the CMC of the thumb while you feel for the contraction

Strength test

  • Patient position: Sitting or supine
  • Ask the patient to hold the thumb in an adducted position
  • Give resistance towards the medial surface of the thumb in the direction of abduction so that the patient is giving force towards adduction