Adductor Pollicis

The Adductor Pollicis is a muscle of the hand.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: The adductor pollicis has two heads. The oblique head attaches from the capitate bone, and the base of the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, the transverse head attaches to the distal 2/3 of the 3rd metacarpal bone.
• Insertion: Attaches to the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb.

Action: Adduction of the thumb.

Synergist: Abductor pollicis brevis, Flexor pollicis brevis, and Opponens pollicis.

Antagonist: Palmaris brevis, Abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi, Opponens digiti minimi.

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Nerve Supply: Ulnar Nerve (C8, T1).

Vascular supply: Deep volar arch artery

• Primary: The referral of aching pain is along the outside of the thumb and hand at the base of the thumb distal to the wrist crease, which spills over to the palmar surface of the first metacarpophalangeal joint and may include most of the thumb.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Dorsal interosseus, flexor pollicis brevis, and abductor pollicis brevis.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: There is an inability for fine manipulation requiring the prehensile pincer grip, e.g. writing, buttoning clothes, or sewing.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: A repeated strong pincer grip, writing for a long period of time.

Differential Diagnosis: Carpal tunnel Syndrome, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C6 radiculopathy, De Quervain’s stenosing tenosynovitis, Osteoarthritis, Articular Dysfunction, Carpometacarpal dysfunction, Bone cancer, Bone fracture, Strain/Sprain, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dupuytren’s Contracture, Paronychia (Ingrown thumbnail), Ganglion cyst, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Frostbite, Diabetic Neuropathy, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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