[Studies of the degree of movement in the flexor pollicis longus tendon at the forearm with functioning pulleys in the thumb and after their excision]

Abstract

The relative value of three pulleys in the thumb has been evaluated by serial resections and subsequent measurement of flexor pollicis longus tendon excursion at the level of the forearm. The metacarpophalangeal pulley appears to be the most important and should be preserved or reconstructed if normal tendon function is to result.