Die Differenzierung der menschlichen Extremit�tenmuskeln in Relation zu den Embryonalstadien

A rare anomaly of the extensor digitorum longus

“…It extends the proximal phalanges of the four lateral toes, while also dorsally flexing, everting and abducting the foot (Sarrafian & Topouzian, 1969; Basmajian, 1974, 1980; Romanes, 1981; Fujita, 1985; Gray, 1985; Hollinshead & Rosse, 1985; Williams, 1995). In observations on the lower extremities of staged human embryos, the extensor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus muscles can be recognized individually between 5 and 6 weeks of embryonic age (Uesugi, 1961; Luthiger, 1974). Thus, it is probable that the teratogenic event causing the absence of the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus muscle occured during the 5th week of development (Millen, 1963).…”

“…The extensor digitorum longus muscle belongs to a group of muscles in the anterior crucial region of the lower legs (Lang & Wachsmuth, 1972; Basmajian, 1980; Romanes, 1981; Gray, 1985; Hollinshead & Rosse, 1985; Williams, 1995). There have been many studies on the extensor digitorum longus muscle in the fields of embryology (Uesugi, 1961; Luthiger, 1974), electromyography (Basmajian, 1974; Fujita, 1985), comparative anatomy (Miller et al ., 1964; Crouch, 1969; Starck, 1982) and morphology (Macalister, 1875; Nagel, 1923; Ikari, 1950; Imamura, 1950; Nishi, 1953; Takeuchi et al ., 1960; Sarrafian & Topouzian, 1969). New non‐invasive imaging techniques, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, may disclose previously unknown anatomical abnormalities of this muscle.…”