What is A3 pulley?

Third Annular Pulley (A3): Extends over the region of the proximal phalangeal joint and is small. Forth Annular Pulley (A4): It lies in the mid-portion of the middle phalanx. Fifth Annular Pulley (A5): Lies in the region of the distal interphalangeal joints.

What is an A2 pulley?

The A2 and A4 are the major pulleys of the system (inserting directly to the bone) and are most prone to injury. The A1, A3, and A5 pulleys are more flexible and attach to the volar plate, a ligament that connects two phalanges together.

Where is the A3 pulley?

The A3 pulley is located between the A2 and A4 pulleys, arising from the volar plate of the PIP joint.

How long does an A2 pulley take to heal?

Full A2 pulley tear: This requires the most patience and dedication. You should expect to not return to full climbing until at least 3 months post injury. 4 months would be even safer before pushing the tissue too hard. You can resume easy climbing after 6-8 weeks BUT this means EASY.

The A3 pulley is one structure that contributes to the control of gliding resistance at the A2 pulley interface. The role of the A3 pulley and its importance to normal tendon gliding recently has been the subject of debate.

What is a pulley injury?

Pulley injuries are an overuse phenomenon, occurring in rock climbers because of the repetitive, excessive forces placed upon the fingers during the activity, with competitive climbers often placing the stress of their entire body weight upon one or two flexed fingers.

What is a pulley in the hand?

In human anatomy, the annular ligaments of the fingers, often referred to as A pulleys, are the annular part of the fibrous sheathes of the fingers. Four or five such annular pulleys, together with three cruciate pulleys, form a fibro-osseous tunnel on the palmar aspect of the hand through which passes the deep and superficial flexor tendons.