scholarly journals Surgical Implications of Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery Considering Anatomical Variants of the Median Nerve Through the Transverse Carpal Ligament

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
William J Cobb
Hand Surgery ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ch. Mathoulin ◽  
J. Bahm ◽  
S. Roukoz

We report the use of a hypothenar pedicled fat flap to cover the median nerve in recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome. Forty-five patients with recurrent symptoms after previous carpal tunnel surgery were included in this study. Patients with incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament were not included. We performed an anatomical study on 30 cadavers. The original technique with the section of the deep branch of ulnar artery was modified. The flap could be transferred onto the median nerve without stretching. The median follow-up was 45 months (range, 12–80 months). Pain completely disappeared in 41 patients with normal nerve conduction. Based on clinical and electromyographic signs, the global results showed excellent results (49%), 19 good results (45%), two average results (4.5%) and two failures (2%). The use of a hypothenar pedicled fat flap to cover the median nerve in recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome is a simple and efficient technique which improves the trophic environment of the median nerve and relieves pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902199340
Author(s):  
Kotaro Sato ◽  
Kenya Murakami ◽  
Yoshikuni Mimata ◽  
Gaku Takahashi ◽  
Minoru Doita

Purpose: Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release (SRECTR) is a technique in which an endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum through a subcutaneous tunnel. The benefits of this method include a clear view for the surgeon and absence of median nerve compression. Surgeons can operate with a familiar view of the flexor retinaculum and median nerve downward, similar to open surgery. This study aimed to investigate the learning curve for SRECTR, an alternate method for carpal tunnel release, and evaluate its complications and the functional outcomes using a disposable commercial kit. Methods: We examined the open conversion rates and complications associated with SRECTR in 200 consecutive patients performed by two surgeons. We compared the operative time operated by a single surgeon. We evaluated outcomes in 191 patients according to Kelly’s grading system. Patients’ mean follow-up period was 12.7 months. Results: Nine patients required conversion to open surgery. There were no injuries to the nerves and tendons and no hematoma or incomplete dissection of the flexor retinaculum. The operative times varied between 11 and 34 minutes. We obtained the following results based on Kelly’s grading of outcomes: excellent in 116, good in 59, fair in 13, and poor in 3 patients. Conclusions: We found no patients with neurapraxia, major nerve injury, flexor tendon injury, superficial palmar arch injury, and hematoma. Although there was a learning curve associated with SRECTR, we performed 200 consecutive cases without neurovascular complications. This method may be a safe alternative to minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery.


Author(s):  
Suk H. Yu ◽  
Tracy A. Mondello ◽  
Zong-Ming Li

Carpal tunnel syndrome is conventionally treated by open and endoscopic release surgeries in which transecting the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) relieves mechanical insults around the median nerve. The TCL release surgeries yield an increase in the tunnel cross-sectional area particularly within the volar aspect of the tunnel, the arch area, where the median nerve is located. As a result of increased arch area, post-operative follow-up studies using MRI confirmed a significant volar migration of the median nerve [1]. However, transecting the TCL compromises critical biomechanical roles of the carpal tunnel [2], and therefore, it is imperative to investigate an alternative method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome patients while preserving the TCL. Li et al. suggested that increasing the TCL length and narrowing the carpal arch width (CAW) as potential alternatives for increasing the arch area [3]. However, the data from their application of palmarly directed forces to the TCL from inside of the tunnel showed that the TCL length remained relatively constant while the carpal bones were mobilized to increase the arch area [3]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between CAW narrowing and the TCL-formed arch area by experimental and geometrical modeling.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (02) ◽  
pp. 238-242
Author(s):  
Francesco Kostoris ◽  
Stefania Bassini ◽  
Emiliano Longo ◽  
Luigi Murena

The anatomic variations of the median nerve and of the muscles of the wrist have been widely reported in literature. It is essential for the surgeon to be familiar with these variations in order to avoid accidental injury to the nerve during surgery. We report a rare case of bifid median nerve accompanied by an anomalous tendon of palmaris profundus discovered during the surgical release of carpal tunnel. The transverse carpal ligament was dissected and the anomalous tendon was left in situ because any direct compression over the median nerve was noticed intraoperatively. The patient was evaluated one year postoperatively clinically and radiologically (with MRI). At the follow up the resolution of symptoms was complete and the sleep disturbance was solved. The patient achieved a postoperative QuickDASH score of 9.1 and a Michigan Hand Questionnaire outcome score of 90 points.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Veltre ◽  
Kelvin Naito ◽  
Xinning Li ◽  
Andrew B. Stein

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. 


2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haluk Ozcanli ◽  
Nigar Keles Coskun ◽  
Menekşe Cengiz ◽  
Nurettin Oguz ◽  
Muzaffer Sindel

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 641-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Y. Yavuz ◽  
I. Uras ◽  
B. Tasbas ◽  
M. Kaya ◽  
R. Ozay ◽  
...  

This study investigated which anatomic landmarks were most useful for correct and safe incision placement in carpal tunnel surgery. Kirschner wires were attached to the hands to mark previously defined landmarks. The bony attachments of the transverse carpal ligament, which were identified previously, were drawn on an anteroposterior digital x-ray of the hand, with the thumb in full abduction. The relationship between anatomic landmarks and these bony attachments were examined. In all hands, either the line along the third web space or the crease between the thenar and the hypothenar regions, or both, were on the ulnar half of the transverse carpal ligament. During incision placement, we recommend selecting the most ulnar choice between the line drawn along the third web space and the crease between the thenar and hypothenar regions in order to be at safe distance from the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve.


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