EXTENSOR POLLICIS LONGUS OPPOSITION TRANSFER

A new technique of opposition transfer uses the extensor pollicis longus tendon, which is sectioned just proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, routed through the interosseous membrane, advanced subcutaneously across the anterior surface of the forearm but deep to the extensor pollicis brevis tendon, and sutured to its distal stump with a 1 cm overlap. This technique differs from that of Riley et al.10 in several significant ways, although the same motor is used. Experience in 35 cases has yielded good or excellent results in 31 instances.