scholarly journals Frequency of Incidental Median Thenar Motor Nerve Branch Visualization During Mini-Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Hand ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin F. Lutsky ◽  
Christopher M. Jones ◽  
Nayoung Kim ◽  
Juana Medina ◽  
Jonas L. Matzon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Motor Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Nerve Branch ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Volar Aspect ◽  
Lead Investigator ◽  
Ulnar Aspect ◽  
Mini Open

Background: Clinical studies using extensile approaches for carpal tunnel release (CTR) report a fairly high incidence of thenar motor branch (TMB) variants. As mini-open and endoscopic CTRs have become commonplace, the likelihood of encountering one of these variants in current practice is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to assess prospectively the frequency with which TMB variants are encountered during routine surgery. Methods: All patients who underwent a primary CTR between August 2014 and April 2015 by 11 hand fellowship–trained, orthopedic surgeons were prospectively evaluated. All surgeons performed releases in their usual technique and notified the lead investigator of any median nerve variations encountered. A total of 890 primary CTRs in 795 patients were performed during the study period. Results: Four TMBs seen were transligamentous variants (4/890 of procedures = 0.45%; 4/795 of patients = 0.50%). Three were identified during open CTR, and 1 during endoscopic CTR. In 2 cases, the transligamentous TMB originated from the volar aspect of the median nerve and penetrated the midportion of the transverse carpal ligament. One TMB originated from the volar and ulnar aspect of the median nerve. One TMB originated from the ulnar aspect of the median nerve proximal to the carpal tunnel. There were no cases of TMB injury during the course of the study. Conclusions: TMB variations are encountered infrequently during routine CTR. The most commonly encountered variant during routine mini-open or endoscopic CTR in our study was a transligamentous branch.

A New Technique for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Decompression

1995 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. TSAI ◽  
T. TSURUTA ◽  
S. A. SYED ◽  
H. KIMURA
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Glass Tube ◽  
New Technique ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Fresh Cadaver ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Portal Technique

A new one-portal technique for endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is introduced with its clinical results. The incision is made at the palmar aspect of file hand. A custom-made glass tube with a groove is inserted, and under endoscope observation, a meniscus knife is pushed forward along the groove to release the flexor retinaculum. This new technique has been studied in ten fresh cadaver hands and used in 123 patients' hands. Results of the cadaver study showed that the flexor retinaculum was released completely in all ten hands. No injuries to tendons, nerves, or arteries were noted. In one case the cotton tip was lost from the stick. All clinical releases were performed uneventfully except for three cases of neuropraxia of the digital nerve of the radial side of the ring finger, one laceration of the motor branch of the median nerve, one mild infection, one loss of cotton tip from the cotton swab stick, and one case of chipping of the glass tube. The case with the laceration of the motor branch of the median nerve occurred early in the series and required the conventional open incision to repair the nerve. The cases with loss of cotton from the stick and chipping of the tube also required a conventional incision to remove the cotton and glass chip. Advantages of this one-portal technique with the glass tube include less scar tenderness than with two-portal techniques, decreased risk of injury to the superficial palmar arch and ulnar nerve because of the distal approach, a view of pathology in the carpal tunnel through the glass tube, and confirmation of release of the flexor retinaculum.

scholarly journals Mini-open Carpal Tunnel Release

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-27
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Pires De Aguiar ◽  
Carlos Alexandre Martins Zicarelli ◽  
Fabio V. C. Sparapani ◽  
Pedro Augusto De Santana Jr ◽  
Alexandros Theodoros Panagoupolos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Nerve Entrapment Syndrome ◽  
Mini Open

Introduction: Median nerve compression is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome. After carpal tunnel release, patients often complain about the scar cosmetic appearance. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcome, surgical technique and complications of mini-open carpal release. Methods: We reviewed data from 48 surgical procedures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in 32 patients at the Pinheiros Neurologicaland Neurosurgical Clinic in the period of 2000 and 2008. The mean age was 49 years-old. We used a 2 cm incision and microscopic technique to obtain meticulous access of the palmar hand anatomy with special attention to both the recurrent motor branch and palmar cutaneous nerve. Results: Twenty-two patients had total resolution of symptoms. Two patients had no change of neurological symptoms. During the follow up no infection or neurological deficits were observed. Conclusion: Mini-open is a safe and effective approach for carpal tunnel syndrome release. However detailed palmar hand anatomy is mandatory to prevent lesion of branching palmar nerve. The use of microscope is desirable to help identify important structures and avoid complications.

scholarly journals Report of a Transligamentous Ulnar Nerve Sensory Branch

Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. NP11-NP13
Author(s):  
Christina R. Vargas ◽  
Kyle J. Chepla
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Anatomical Variation ◽  
Dominant Male ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Anatomical Variant ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Right Hand

Background: Several anatomical variations of the median nerve recurrent motor branch have been described. No previous reports have described the anatomical variation of the ulnar nerve with respect to transverse carpal ligament. In this article, we present a patient with symptomatic compression of the ulnar nerve found to occur outside the Guyon canal due to a transligamentous course through the distal transverse carpal ligament. Methods: A 59-year-old, right-hand-dominant male patient presented with right hand pain, subjective weakness, and numbness in both the ulnar and the median nerve distributions. Electromyography revealed moderate demyelinating sensorimotor median neuropathy at the wrist and distal ulnar sensory neuropathy. At the time of planned carpal tunnel and Guyon canal release, a transligamentous ulnar nerve sensory common branch to the fourth webspace was encountered and safely released. Results: There were no surgical complications. The patient’s symptoms of numbness in the median and ulnar nerve distribution clinically improved at his first postoperative visit. Conclusions: We have identified a case of transligamentous ulnar nerve sensory branch encountered during carpal tunnel release. To our knowledge, this has not been previously reported. While the incidence of this variant is unknown, hand surgeons should be aware of this anatomical variant as its location puts it at risk of iatrogenic injury during open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Quick Reference: Chapter 3: The Musculoskeletal System

2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-5
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Motor Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Trial Court ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Medical Evaluation ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery ◽  
Clinical Records

Abstract The November/December 1996 issue of The Guides Newsletter included an article regarding the challenges faced by those who evaluate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) impairment. A recent case highlights some of these challenges: Ms Kirby presented for an independent medical evaluation to address two issues, the work-relatedness of her left CTS and the percentage of anatomic impairment due to her surgically treated left CTS. Relevant clinical records noted nonspecific complaints of left-hand pain and paresthesia but no abnormalities of the peripheral neuromusculoskeletal system. Motor nerve conduction velocities were normal and showed relative prolonged latencies in the left vs right median nerve at the wrist. Left carpal tunnel release surgery was recommended and performed, but Ms Kirby reported no improvement in her symptoms and had a self-perception of substantial occupational incapacity. The evaluating physician determined that Ms Kirby had neither the specific hand/wrist symptoms nor the median nerve slowing necessary to establish a diagnosis of CTS and, therefore, could not have work-related CTS according to the criteria in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fourth Edition. The parties involved could not reach a settlement, and the case went to trial; the trial court relied on the testimony of the treating surgeon in finding that Ms Kirby's CTS was caused by her work and awarded her a substantial percentage of occupational disability.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Changes in Median Nerve Cross-sectional Area Between Endoscopic and Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-83
Author(s):  
William R. Smith ◽  
David C. Hirsch ◽  
David O. Osei-Hwedieh ◽  
Robert J. Goitz ◽  
John Fowler
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Mini Open

Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release: surgical technique with prospective case series

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ecker ◽  
N. Perera ◽  
J. Ebert
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Endoscopic Techniques ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Prospective Case Series

Current techniques for endoscopic carpal tunnel release use an infraretinacular approach, inserting the endoscope deep to the flexor retinaculum. We present a supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release technique in which a dissecting endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum, which improves vision and the ability to dissect and manipulate the median nerve and tendons during surgery. The motor branch of the median nerve and connections between the median and ulnar nerve can be identified and dissected. Because the endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum, the median nerve is not compressed before division of the retinaculum and, as a result, we have observed no cases of the transient median nerve deficits that have been reported using infraretinacular endoscopic techniques. Level of evidence: IV.

Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Decompression

Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason H. Huang ◽  
Eric L. Zager
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Entrapment Neuropathy ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Tunnel Technique ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Mini Open ◽  
Surgical Release

Abstract CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME is the most common entrapment neuropathy, and it is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The authors describe the mini-open carpal tunnel technique for surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament. The success of the procedure depends on meticulous technique with attention to certain important anatomic details and careful avoidance of injury to the palmar cutaneous nerve and the recurrent motor branch.

Anomalous Thenar Musculature Associated with Aberrant Median Nerve Motor Branch Take-off: An Anatomic and Clinical Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary M Lourie ◽  
R Glenn Gaston ◽  
Allan E Peljovich ◽  
Jason J Marshall ◽  
Lee Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Anatomic Study ◽  
Thenar Muscle ◽  
High Association ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Endoscopic Techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction Iatrogenic laceration of the median nerve motor branch during carpal tunnel release is a devastating complication that has been reported with both open and endoscopic techniques. The purpose of this study is to highlight a previously underreported relationship between an aberrant course of the median nerve motor branch and an anomalous thenar muscle that places the motor branch at high risk. Materials and methods This was a two part study. The first part was a retrospective review of over 500 cases of carpal tunnel release over a 7 year period. There were 530 carpal tunnel releases performed and 20/530 cases were found to have a characteristic anomalous thenar muscle associated with a consistent aberrant course of the motor branch of the median nerve. Part two was an anatomic study in which 42 cadaveric wrists were dissected to determine median nerve branching patterns, dimensions of the transverse carpal ligament, and thenar musculature dimensions. Results Twenty patients (3.8%) in the clinical arm were found to have anomalous musculature. In each case, the characteristics of the muscle were similar; the muscle was triangular in shape, was distal to the FPB, and had minimal fascial covering. In 100% of the cases the motor branch was found to be more anterior/central or ulnar in its take-off. In the anatomic study, two hands (5%) had aberrant musculature extending distal to the transverse carpal ligament (TCL). Both were associated with an anterior/central or ulnar median motor branch take-off with recurrent course. Larger thenar musculature dimensions and anomalous thenar muscle were associated with more anterior and ulnar motor branch take-off. Conclusion There appears to be a high association between anomalous thenar musculature and an aberrant course of the motor branch of the median nerve placing it a greater potential risk for iatrogenic injury. Lourie GM, Gaston RG, Peljovich AE, Marshall JJ, Patterson L. Anomalous Thenar Musculature Associated with Aberrant Median Nerve Motor Branch Take-off: An Anatomic and Clinical Study. The Duke Orthop J 2012;2(1):18-22.

Mini Open Carpal Tunnel Release Using Knifelight®: Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Using a Single Wrist Incision (Cadaveric Study)

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. K. TEH ◽  
E. S. NG ◽  
D. S. K. CHOON
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Superficial Palmar Arch ◽  
Palmar Arch ◽  
Palmar Cutaneous Branch ◽  
Cutaneous Branch ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Mini Open

This cadaveric study evaluates the margin of safety and technical efficacy of mini open carpal tunnel release performed using Knifelight® (Stryker Instruments) through a transverse 1 cm wrist incision. A single investigator released 32 wrists in 17 cadavers. The wrists were then explored to assess the completeness of release and damage to vital structures including the superficial palmar arch, palmar cutaneous branch and recurrent branch of the median nerve. All the releases were complete and no injury to the median nerve and other structures were observed. The mean distance of the recurrent motor branch to the ligamentous divisions was 5.7 ± 2.4 mm, superficial palmar arch was 8.7 ± 3.1 mm and palmar cutaneous branch to the ligamentous division was 7.2 ± 2.4 mm. The mean length of the transverse carpal ligament was 29.3 ± 3.7 mm. Guyon’s canal was preserved in all cases.

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