Gozo Tanabe

Anatomic and clinical studies of the extensor digitorum brevis manus

The extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle (EDBM) was found in 17 (3.0%) out of 559 dissected hands of 286 cadavers. The anatomy of the EDBM was classified into three types. The EDBM frequently arose on the distal margin of the radius, but without direct attachment to the carpal bones. The insertion of the EDBM was the same as that of the extensor indicis proprius. The EDBM and the extensor indicis proprius were often joined and had the same nerve and arterial supply. The EDBM muscle was considered to be a variant of the extensor indicis proprius muscle. Clinically five of 29 patients with an EDBM were treated.

Surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy complicating athetoid cerebral palsy

Operative treatment was performed in nine patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy complicating athetoid cerebral palsy. The first two patients were treated by laminectomy, and the other seven by anterior interbody fusion. The symptoms in both the laminectomy patients improved after operation, but became worse again when cervical instability developed; they then had to have an anterior fusion in addition. In six of the seven patients who had primary anterior fusion a halo-cast (or a halo-vest) was used to keep the cervical spine immobile, and good bony fusion was obtained with satisfactory results. However, in one patient no halo apparatus was used, bony union did not occur and the radiculopathy reappeared. In cervical myelopathy complicating athetoid cerebral palsy laminectomy is contra-indicated; anterior fusion combined with a halo apparatus is, however, satisfactory.