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.

scholarly journals Aberrant Positioning of the Ulnar Nerve Found During Carpal Tunnel Release: A Case Report

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Veltre ◽  
Kelvin Naito ◽  
Xinning Li ◽  
Andrew B. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Distal Forearm ◽  
Anatomic Variations ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Iatrogenic Injuries ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum

Introduction: Aberrant positioning of the ulnar nerve volar to the transverse carpal ligament is a rare anatomic variation.Case Presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old female with unique ulnar nerve anatomy that was discovered introperatively during carpal tunnel release.  The ulnar nerve was running directly adjacent to the median nerve in the distal forearm and as the median nerve traversed dorsal to the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) to enter the carpal tunnel the ulnar nerve continued directly volar to this structure before angling towards Guyon’s Canal.  The unique ulnar nerve anatomy was successfully identified, carefully dissected and managed with a successful patient outcome.Conclusion: Variations of the anatomy at the level of the carpal tunnel are rare but do exist.  Awareness of these anatomic variations and adequate visualization of the ulnar nerve along with the surrounding structures is crucial to avoid iatrogenic injuries during carpal tunnel release. 

scholarly journals Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by the entrapment of a bifid Lanz IIIA Type anatomical variant of median nerve: A case report and systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Emanuele La Corte ◽  
Clarissa A. E. Gelmi ◽  
Nicola Acciarri
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Anatomical Variation ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Anatomical Variant ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Artery

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment peripheral neuropathy. Median nerve may present several anatomical variations such as a high division or bifid median nerve (BMN). A thorough knowledge of the normal anatomy and variations of the median nerve at the wrist are fundamental to reduce complications during carpal tunnel release. Case Description: A 63-year-old man with CTS underwent preoperative ultrasound that showed the entrapment of the median nerve and disclosed a BMN Lanz IIIA Type anatomical variation at the carpal tunnel. During the surgery, the anatomical variant of a BMN at the wrist has been visualized. Both nervous rami entirely occupied the carpal canal and this may have predisposed to the development of the entrapment syndrome. Nor persistent median artery, or other associated abnormalities, have been identified. At the 6 months follow-up control, the patient referred a good surgical recovery with complete resolution of the preoperative symptoms of the median nerve entrapment. Conclusion: A rare case of Lanz IIIA BMN Type at the wrist has been encountered in a patient with a CTS and a systematic review and practical considerations have been presented with the aim of raising awareness to the neurosurgical community of a such rare variant that could be encountered during carpal tunnel release procedures. CTS may be caused by the entrapment of a BMN Lanz IIIA Type anatomical variant of median nerve. Preoperative US would help to identify such patients to reduce risk of iatrogenic injuries.

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.

scholarly journals Bifid Median Nerve in the Bulgarian Population: An Anatomical and Clinical Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Georgi P. Georgiev ◽  
Svetoslav A. Slavchev ◽  
Iva N. Dimitrova ◽  
Boycho Landzhov
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Anatomical Variation ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
Anatomical Variant ◽  
Human Cadavers ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Bulgarian Population

High division of the median nerve proximal to the carpal tunnel, also known as a bifid median nerve, is a rare anatomical variant with an incidence between 1 and 3%. In order to study the incidence of this anatomical variation in the Bulgarian population, we examined the upper limbs of 51 formol-carbol fixed human cadavers and also 154 upper limbs undergoing carpal tunnel decompression. We detected one case of bifid median nerve during anatomical dissections and two cases in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. In one of the clinical cases, the anatomical variation was detected preoperatively by MRI. We discuss different variations of this nerve and emphasize their potential clinical implications.

scholarly journals Combined Cubital and Carpal Tunnel Release Results in Symptom Resolution Outside of the Median or Ulnar Nerve Distributions

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter C. Chimenti ◽  
Allison W. McIntyre ◽  
Sean M. Childs ◽  
Warren C. Hammert ◽  
John C. Elfar
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Patient Counseling ◽  
Symptom Resolution ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Validated Questionnaires

Background: Resolution of symptoms including pain, numbness, and tingling outside of the median nerve distribution has been shown to occur following carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that a similar effect would be found after combined release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with simultaneous release of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Methods: 20 patients with combined cubital and carpal tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. The upper extremity was divided into six zones and the location of pain, numbness, tingling, or strange sensations was recorded pre-operatively. Two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, and validated questionnaires were collected pre-operatively and at six-week follow-up. Results: Probability of resolution was greater in the median nerve distribution than the ulnar nerve for numbness (71% vs. 43%), tingling (86% vs. 75%). Seventy percent of the cohort reported at least one extra-anatomic symptom pre-operatively, and greater than 80% of these resolved at early follow-up. There was a decrease in pain as measured by validated questionnaires. Conclusion: This study documents resolution of symptoms in both extra-ulnar and extra-median distributions after combined cubital and carpal tunnel release. Pre-operative patient counseling may therefore include the likelihood of symptomatic improvement in a non-expected nerve distribution after this procedure, assuming no other concomitant pathology which may cause persistent symptoms. Future studies could be directed at correlating pre-operative disease severity with probability of symptom resolution using a larger population.

scholarly journals The Palmar Cutaneous Branch Mimicking the Recurrent Motor Branch of the Median Nerve

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. 052-053
Author(s):  
Feiran Wu ◽  
Chye Ng
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Proximal Margin ◽  
Anatomical Variant ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Iatrogenic Nerve Injury ◽  
Palmar Cutaneous Branch ◽  
Cutaneous Branch ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

AbstractWe report an unusual anatomical variant of the palmar cutaneous branch (PCB) of the median nerve in a 46-year-old man presenting with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. At surgery, after neurolysis, the PCB was visualized arising at the level of the proximal margin of the transverse carpal ligament, mimicking the appearance of the recurrent motor branch. To date, there has been no description of this branch arising at this level. We aim to remind surgeons of this variation and highlight the importance of maintaining vigilance to avoid iatrogenic nerve injury.

scholarly journals Median Nerve Variation: A Complete Spin before Terminal Branching

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (01) ◽  
pp. e1-e4
Author(s):  
Amgad S. Hanna ◽  
Zhikui Wei ◽  
Barbara A. Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Distal Forearm ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis ◽  
Anatomical Variant ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

AbstractMedian nerve anatomy is of great interest to clinicians and scientists given the importance of this nerve and its association with diseases. A rare anatomical variant of the median nerve in the distal forearm and wrist was discovered during a cadaveric dissection. The median nerve was deep to the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in the carpal tunnel. It underwent a 360-degree spin before emerging at the lateral edge of FDS. The recurrent motor branch moved from medial to lateral on the deep surface of the median nerve, as it approached the distal carpal tunnel. This variant doesn't fall into any of Lanz's four groups of median nerve anomalies. We propose a fifth group that involves variations in the course of the median nerve. This report underscores the importance of recognizing variants of the median nerve anatomy in the forearm and wrist during surgical interventions, such as for carpal tunnel syndrome.

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.

The History of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1988 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-34
Author(s):  
G. B. PFEFFER ◽  
R. H. GELBERMAN ◽  
J. H. BOYES ◽  
B. RYDEVIK
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Compressive Neuropathy ◽  
Anatomical Localization ◽  
History Of ◽  
Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequently diagnosed, best understood and most easily treated entrapment neuropathy. During the first half of the 20th century, however, most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were diagnosed as having compression of either the brachial plexus or thenar nerve motor branch of the median nerve. As late as 1950, only twelve patients with operative release of the transverse carpal ligament for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome had been reported. The delay in accurate anatomical localization of this compressive neuropathy can be attributed both to the confusion caused by the diverse manifestations of median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel, and to some interesting developments that altered early investigations in this area.

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