Ligamento-Muscular Reflex Patterns Following Stimulation of a Thumb Carpometacarpal Ligament: An Electromyographic Study

Purpose The dorsoradial ligament (DRL) is essential for stability of the first carpometacarpal joint (CMC1) and is innervated with nerve endings and mechanoreceptors known to contribute to joint proprioception. The influence of these nerve endings on the neuromuscular stability of CMC1 is not yet known. This study investigated whether a ligamento-muscular reflex pathway is present between the DRL and CMC1 muscles. Methods Ten healthy subjects (5 women and 5 men, mean age 28 years; range, 24–37 years) were included. Four primary CMC1 stabilizing muscles were investigated: the extensor pollicis longus, abductor pollicis longus (APL), abductor pollicis brevis, and first dorsal interosseous. Needle electrodes were inserted into each muscle and a fine-wire electrode was inserted into the DRL. The DRL was stimulated at 200 MHz while EMG activities in the muscles were recorded during isometric tip, key, and palmar pinch. Average EMG values were analyzed to compare prestimulus (t 1 ) with post-stimulus (t 2 ) activity. Results Poststimulus changes were observed in all 4 muscles and 3 positions tested. During tip pinch we observed mass inhibition with a decrease in all muscle amplitudes. In key pinch we observed a rapid co-contraction response. Rapid inhibitory response of antagonistic musculature was observed during palmar pinch. The APL was the only muscle to react within 20 ms after stimulation. Conclusions We identified CMC1 ligamento-muscular reflexes. The mass inhibition of activity observed during tip pinch indicated a protective ligamento-muscular relation that affects all 4 muscles. The co-contractions observed promote joint stability. The fast response in the APL, coupled with its neuroanatomical proximity to the DRL, indicate a particular role in CMC1 proprioception. Clinical relevance Proper ligamentous support and retained innervation is likely important for adequate joint function; their innate functions ought to be considered when planning surgical or orthotic treatments.