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Flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus

Contents

Anatomy pictures

 

Flexor digitorum superficialis - medial view
Flexor digitorum superficialis - anterior view
Flexor digitorum profundus - anterior view
Flexor digitorum profundus - medial view

Referred pain pattern

Muscle type

  • Postural
    • Shortens when overactivated

Symptoms

  • Loss of range of motion in extension of fingers
  • 'Explosive pain' that radiates out the end of the fingers
  • Difficulty using tools where you squeeze with the fingers (power tools for grip for example)
  • Trigger finger

Muscle attachment zones

 

Flexor digitorum superficialis - anterior view
Flexor digitorum superficialis - anterior view
Flexor digitorum superficialis - hand
Flexor digitorum profundus - anterior view
Flexor digitorum profundus - anteromedial view
Flexor digitorum profundus - posterior view
Flexor digitorum profundus - hand

Videos - treatment techniques

Detailed version

Anatomy

Flexor digitorum superficialis

Position

  • Superficial

Origin

  • Medial epicondyle humerus
  • Processus coronoideus ulnae
  • Anterior aspect of radius, proximal 1/2

Insertion

  • Middle phalanx on the 2.-5. fingers, anterior surface

Main function

  • MCP joint
    • Flexion
  • PIP joint
    • Flexion
  • Wrist
    • Flexion

Secondary function

  • Elbow:
    • Flexion

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C7-Th1
  • Peripheral
    • Nervus medianus

Arterial supply

  • Ulnar artery
  • Radial artery

Flexor digitorum profundus

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Proximal 1/2 of medial and anterior part of ulna
  • Membrana interossea

Insertion

  • Anterior surface of distal phalanx of 2.-5. finger

Main function

  • MCP joint
    • Flexion
  • PIP joint
    • Flexion
  • DIP joint
    • Flexion
  • Wrist
    • Flexion

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C7-Th1
  • Peripheral
    • Nervus medianus
    • Nervus ulnaris

Arterial supply

  • Ulnar artery
  • Radial artery
  • Anterior interosseus artery