Anthropometric Analysis of the Vincula Brevia in Nigerian Male Cadavers

Abstract

Background: The vincula brevia are small vascular connective bands essential for flexor tendon nutrition and finger function, with important implications in hand surgery. However, limited population-specific data exist, particularly among Nigerian males, necessitating detailed anthropometric evaluation. Aim: To analyze the anthropometric values of the vincula brevia of the 2nd through 5th digits in adult Nigerian cadavers. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive research design. Place of Study: The cadavers were procured from the Anatomy Department of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Bayelsa Medical University, all of which are in Nigeria. Methodology: The hands of 30 formalin-fixed adult male Nigerian cadavers, without trauma or surgical alterations, were dissected to expose and measure the vincula brevia using a digital vernier caliper (0.01 mm accuracy). Descriptive statistics were analyzed with SPSS (v23.0), mean comparisons with an unpaired t-test, and symmetry tested using a paired t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The resultant mean values of the vincula brevia of the proximal left hand were: 11.42±1.76mm (middle finger), 9.52±0.99mm (index finger), 9.78±0.85mm (ring finger), and 8.53±0.82mm (little finger). Distal left hand: 8.76±1.28mm (middle finger), 7.35±1.06mm (index finger), 7.18±1.17mm (ring finger), and 6.36±0.91mm (little finger). Proximal right hand: 10.98±1.41mm (middle finger), 9.39±1.07mm (index finger), 9.61±0.75mm (ring finger), and 8.22±1.16mm (little finger). Distal right hand: 8.56±1.35mm (middle finger), 7.30±1.03mm (index finger), 7.13±1.03mm (ring finger) and 6.14±1.13mm (little finger). Conclusion: There are significant differences (P < 0.05) in the lengths of the proximal and distal vincula brevia within the same digit, with the proximal vincula consistently longer than the distal, and those in the left digits exceeding their right-sided counterparts. Clinically, these variations are relevant for flexor tendon repair, as differences in vincular length may influence tendon vascularity, susceptibility to injury, and healing potential, thereby informing surgical technique and improving functional outcomes.