Extensor Pollicis Brevis
Posted on 23rd Jul 2020 / Published in: Hand/Fingers/Thumb
General information
Extensor pollicis brevis is a short, slender muscle situated in the forearm’s posterior compartment. The deep forearm extensors consist of the extensor pollicis brevis, supinator, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis muscles.
Literal meaning
The short muscle that straightens the thumb.
Interesting information
As well as belonging to the deep forearm extensors, the extensor pollicis brevis is also a part of the forearm’s deep, posterior fascial compartment.
The muscle also forms part of an anatomical landmark, making up the lateral aspect of the anatomical snuffbox.
Origin
Posterior surface of distal third of radius and interosseus membrane.
Insertion
Posterior aspect of base of proximal phalanx of thumb.
Function
1st Carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint: Thumb extension.
Nerve supply
Posterior interosseous nerve (C7, C8).
Blood supply
Posterior interosseous artery, anterior interosseous artery.
Relevant research
Rerouting of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) is the standard part of tendon transfer surgery for thumb extension. However, extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) produces better thumb abduction and extension when it is rerouted.
Bhardwaj, P., Muddappa, P. P., Bindesh, D., & Sabapathy, S. R. (2019). Evaluation of Extensor Pollicis Brevis as a Recipient of Tendon Transfer for Thumb Extension. Indian journal of plastic surgery: official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India, 52(2), 171–177.
Extensor pollicis brevis exercises
Strengthening:
Thumb extension - band
Place the resistance band around the top of your thumb and hold the other end of the band. Pull your thumb upwards against the resistance band, relax and repeat.
Stretching:
Thumb extension stretch
Use your two of your fingers to bend your thumb backwards. The stretch will be felt at the bottom of your thumb.
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