Anomalous Extensor Digiti Minimi with Multiple Slips and Bulbous Appearance

The extensor digiti minimi is a muscle in the posterior compartment of the forearm that extends the fifth digit. Variations of the extensor tendons of the hand are common and mostly asymptomatic, however, some may impinge and occupy the narrow dorsal compartments of the wrist causing dorsal wrist pain and impairment of digital movement. Orthopedic literature illustrates how frequent anomalies of the extensor indicis proprius, extensor digitorum brevis manus, and extensor medii proprius occur; however, minimal literature documents a bulbous, multi slip extensor digiti minimi. Within this case, a 30-year-old, right-handed woman with no prior hand trauma presented with recurrent snapping localized to her right fifth digit, causing intermittent pain and an audible “click”. This study aims to provide a thorough anatomical description of a rare extensor digit minimi anomaly and a viable option to treat successfully an inflamed, symptomatic extensor retinaculum affecting the extensor digiti minimi.