The six extensor compartments at the dorsal wrist contain: (1) APL and EPB, (2) ECRL and ECRB, (3) EPL around Lister tubercle, (4) EDC and EIP, (5) EDM, (6) ECU. Each compartment is a fibro-osseous tunnel maintaining tendon position during wrist extension. Compartment-specific tenosynovitis, stenosis, and tendon ruptures produce compartment-localised wrist pain patterns.
Wrist and finger extension force transmission through the six extensor compartments
Extensor compartment numbering is the foundation for wrist surgery anatomical orientation — the compartments are numbered radial to ulnar (1 through 6). De Quervain (compartment 1), Intersection syndrome (1 and 2 junction), Lister tubercle EPL rupture (compartment 3), and ECU instability (compartment 6) are the compartment-specific pathologies.
Compartment-specific tendon sheath inflammation producing wrist pain localised by compartment anatomy, managed with compartment-targeted injection and release.
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