Home Body Atlas Ligaments Extensor Retinaculum Sixth Compartment
Ligament Hand & Wrist

Extensor Retinaculum Sixth Compartment

vagina tendinum musculi extensoris carpi ulnaris

The sixth extensor compartment is a fibro-osseous groove on the dorsal ulnar head containing the ECU tendon. The subsheath within the sixth compartment anchors the ECU tendon within the groove during forearm rotation.

Region: Hand & Wrist
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Constrains the ECU in its groove during forearm rotation, prevents ECU subluxation from the groove, and allows the tendon to maintain its wrist extensor and ulnar deviator function throughout the rotation arc.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

ECU subsheath disruption allows the tendon to snap out of the groove during supination-ulnar deviation (racquet sports position), producing a painful clunk. MRI and dynamic ultrasound demonstrate subluxation. Subsheath repair or groove deepening restores stability.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

ECU Subsheath Rupture and Tendon Subluxation

Sixth compartment subsheath disruption allowing ECU subluxation from the groove during supination-ulnar deviation, producing a painful snap on the dorsal ulnar wrist managed by subsheath repair or reconstruction.

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