
The first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle is one of four muscles in the back of the hand that act to abduct (spread) the index, middle, and ring fingers away from the hand's midline. The FDI is unique in that it is one of the rare instances where only one muscle is responsible for a particular joint motion — it abducts the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. This makes it an ideal candidate for the examination of the relationship between muscle function and architecture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full form | First Dorsal Interosseous |
| Number of muscles | 4 |
| Location | Back of the hand |
| Function | Abducts the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint |
| Innervation | Deep branch of the ulnar nerve |
| Variation | Variable innervation in some individuals |
| Blood supply | Radial and ulnar arteries |
| Anatomical layout | Distinct origin and common insertion site |
| Origin | Lateral side of the first and second metacarpals |
| Insertion | Base of the proximal phalanx and the extensor hood |
| Architectural properties | Mass cross-sectional area, tendon and muscle length, muscle fascicle optimum length, pennation angle, moment arm at the second metacarpophalangeal joint |
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What You'll Learn

The FDI is the first dorsal interosseous muscle
The first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) is one of four dorsal interosseous muscles in the back of the hand. The FDI is responsible for abducting the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. It is the only muscle responsible for this particular joint motion, making it a useful muscle for the investigation of muscle properties.
The FDI is inserted into the base of the proximal phalanx and the extensor hood. It has two heads, one originating from the first metacarpal and one from the second metacarpal. The FDI is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, although some individuals have variable innervation. The FDI and palmar interosseous muscle of the index (P2I) are essential for the strength and mobility of the index finger.
The architectural properties of the FDI have been studied to determine the extent of consistency across specimens. The mass cross-sectional area, length of the tendon and muscle, muscle fascicle optimum length, pennation angle, and moment arm of the FDI at the second metacarpophalangeal joint have all been measured. The force-length properties of the FDI dictate that there is a length at which the muscle can produce maximal force, referred to as the optimal length.
The FDI can be tested by asking a patient to put their hand on a table and point their index finger straight ahead, holding it there against resistance.
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It abducts the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint
The first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle is one of four dorsal interosseous muscles in the hand. The FDI muscle is unique in that it is the only muscle responsible for a particular joint motion: the abduction of the index finger at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. The MP joint is where the hand bone, or metacarpal, meets the finger bones, or phalanges.
The FDI muscle is inserted into the base of the proximal phalanx and the extensor hood. It has two heads, one originating from the first metacarpal and one from the second metacarpal. The dorsal interosseous muscles are bipennate, with each muscle arising by two heads from the adjacent sides of the metacarpal bones, but more extensively from the metacarpal bone of the finger into which the muscle is inserted.
The FDI muscle is important for index finger abduction, which is stronger than adduction at the MP joints. When the MP joints are flexed, the position of the interossei moves away from the flexion-extension axes of the MP joints until they are nearly perpendicular to the proximal phalanx. This movement abducts the index finger, spreading it away from the hand's midline (the ray of the middle finger).
The FDI muscle is also able to rotate the index finger slightly at the MP joint and assist in thumb adduction. The FDI muscle's function in index finger abduction makes it useful for investigating muscle properties, such as motor unit recruitment, strength training, and tendon stiffness.
In summary, the FDI muscle abducts the index finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint by flexing the MP joints and moving the interossei muscles away from the flexion-extension axes. This movement spreads the index finger away from the hand's midline, with the assistance of the collateral ligaments of the MP joints, which increase the force of flexion.
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It is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve
The first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle is a muscle in the hand that acts to abduct the index finger away from the hand's midline. The FDI is unique in that it is one of the rare instances of a single muscle being responsible for a particular joint motion. Due to its distinct role in joint motion, the FDI has been frequently used to investigate muscle properties, such as motor unit recruitment, strength training, and tendon stiffness.
The FDI muscle is usually innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve is a mixed nerve that provides motor innervation to various muscles of the forearm and hand, as well as sensory supply to the skin of the hand. It is considered the nerve of the hand, as it innervates most of the intrinsic hand muscles. The deep branch of the ulnar nerve emerges from the same region as the superficial branch, coursing between the muscles of the hypothenar region into the deep aspect of the palm. This nerve provides motor innervation to several muscles in the hand, including the hypothenar muscles (abductor, flexor, and opponens digiti minimi muscles), all the interossei (3 palmar and 4 dorsal), and the medial two lumbricals.
While the FDI is typically innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, some individuals exhibit variable innervation. This variation was first noted by Sunderland in 1946. Electrophysiological studies have been conducted to investigate the incidence of variable innervation in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), a common nerve compression disease. In CuTS patients, injury to the ulnar nerve can lead to denervation of the FDI and subsequent muscular atrophy. However, the ability of nerve tissues to regenerate can lead to reinnervation and improvement in muscular atrophy over time.
The FDI muscle is well-suited for studying the relationship between muscle function and architecture due to its unique role in joint motion. Architectural properties such as mass cross-sectional area, tendon and muscle length, muscle fascicle optimum length, and pennation angle have been quantified to understand the consistency and variability in the FDI's architecture. These studies contribute to our understanding of the relationship between muscle structure and function, providing insights into the FDI's role in index finger abduction.
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It is essential for strength and mobility of the index finger
The first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) is one of four dorsal interosseous muscles in the hand. These muscles are located on the back of the hand and act to abduct (spread) the index, middle, and ring fingers away from the hand's midline. The FDI is unique in that it is the only muscle responsible for a particular joint motion: it abducts the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. This makes it essential for the strength and mobility of the index finger.
The FDI has two heads, one originating from the first metacarpal and one from the second metacarpal. It is inserted into the base of the proximal phalanx and the extensor hood. The dorsal interosseous muscles are bipennate, with each muscle arising from two heads from the adjacent sides of the metacarpal bones. The radial artery passes between the two heads of the FDI as it moves from the back of the hand into the palm.
The FDI is usually innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. However, some individuals have variable innervation of the FDI, which can be detected through electrophysiological examination. Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), a common nerve compression disease, can cause injury to the ulnar nerve and lead to denervation of the FDI and muscular atrophy.
The force-length properties of muscle dictate that there is an optimal length at which a muscle can produce maximal force. Studies have examined the architectural properties of the FDI to understand the relationship between muscle function and architecture. The FDI has been frequently used for the investigation of muscle properties, including motor unit recruitment, strength training, and tendon stiffness.
In summary, the FDI muscle plays a crucial role in the strength and mobility of the index finger through its ability to abduct the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. Its unique anatomical structure and innervation make it an important subject of study for understanding muscle function and treating conditions such as CuTS.
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It is used to investigate muscle properties, strength training and tendon stiffness
The first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle is well-suited for examining the relationship between muscle function and architecture. This is because it is one of the rare instances of a single muscle being responsible for a particular joint motion: the FDI abducts the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint.
Due to its unique role in joint motion, the FDI has been used extensively to investigate muscle properties, strength training, and tendon stiffness. For example, Kornatz et al. (2005) and Milner-Brown et al. (1973) used the FDI to study motor unit recruitment, while Davies et al. (1985) used it to examine strength training. Additionally, Cook and McDonagh (1996) investigated tendon stiffness using the FDI.
The architectural features of the FDI, such as muscle fascicle rest lengths and muscle mass, have been studied to understand its functionality better. For instance, Cutts et al. (1991) examined the ratio of tendon stress to its implications for movement control and elastic energy storage. Loren et al. (1996) also identified the ratio of fibre optimum length to the moment arm as an important indicator of muscle function.
The FDI is also important in understanding innervation and vascular supply. Studies have shown that the FDI is usually innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, although Sunderland (1946) noted that some individuals exhibit variable innervation. This variable innervation has been linked to higher pinch strength ratios in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).
In summary, the FDI muscle is a valuable tool for investigating muscle properties, strength training, and tendon stiffness due to its unique anatomical characteristics and role in joint motion.
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Frequently asked questions
The first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) is a muscle in the back of the hand that abducts the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint.
The FDI muscle is responsible for the strength and mobility of the index finger.
The FDI muscle is an example of the rare instance of only one muscle being responsible for a particular joint motion.
The examiner uses their index finger to portion the patient's pointing index finger towards the table with their nondominant index finger. The examiner then palpates the patient's FDI muscle with their dominant index finger and assesses muscle contraction.
The FDI muscle is usually innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, but some individuals have variable innervation.











































