MORPHOLOGY OF THE DORSAL PHALANGEAL CONNECTIVE-TISSUE BODY

Background: The connective tissue body of the dorsal finger is partiti oned by multiple horizontal lamellae derived from expansions of interc ellular spaces. These connective fibres are involved in providing glid ing spaces for the extensor apparatus, and they formed spreading rooms of infection processes. Methods: In order to describe the topographic al histological and histochemical behavior of cellular and intercellul ar elements of the border lamellae of the dorsal aponeurosis of the fi ngers, a modified method of Epoxid resin embedding technique without p re-infiltration is used. Results: The bordering elements of the connec tive tissue lamellae described in this investigation are especially we ll defined in the region of the dorsal aponeurosis. The morphological examinations show that both the expansions of the intercellular space as well as defined fibrocytic cellular elements function in a manner e quivalent to a synovial membrane of tendon sheaths. Conclusions: Savin g or reconstructing these structures appears to be of importance in pr eventing for adhesive disorders of finger motion following surgical in tervention in this region. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.