Anatomical Relations
Both the transverse and oblique retinacular ligaments link the fibrous flexor sheath to the extensor apparatus. The transverse retinacular ligament connects the A3 annular pulley of the flexor sheath (at the proximal interphalangeal joint) with the lateral edge of the lateral extensor band of the extensor apparatus (Standring, 2016).
Structure
Both the transverse and oblique retinacular ligaments (of Landsmeer) are part of the distal fascial complex (Standring, 2016).
Function
The transverse and oblique retinacular ligaments aid in the stabilization of the extensor apparatus and in the coordinate flexion and extension of the interphalangeal joints (Colzani et al., 2016).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Swan neck deformity
References
Colzani, G., Tos, P., Battiston, B., Merolla, G., Porcellini, G. and Artiaco, S. (2016) 'Traumatic Extensor Tendon Injuries to the Hand: Clinical Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Surgical Procedure Review', J Hand Microsurg, 8(1), pp. 2-12.Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
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Joint Ligament
Entheseal structures are widely located throughout the body and are represented by the interface between bone and several tissues including tendon, joint capsules and ligaments.
