J Wrist Surg 2012; 01(02): 187-188
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1329420
Wrist and Carpal Anatomy
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Carpal Tunnel—Exposed

Fraser J. Leversedge
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
,
Charles A. Goldfarb
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Martin I. Boyer
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 December 2012 (online)

Perspectives: The Carpal Tunnel—Exposed

View of the carpal canal and proximal palm following removal of the transverse carpal ligament and supporting fascial structures (top = proximal). The median nerve (MN) is typically volar to the extrinsic digital flexor tendons, and its relationship to the superficial palmar arterial arch (SA) is demonstrated. This “complete” SA, with its contributions from the palmar branch of the radial artery (seen here coursing through the superficial muscle fibers of the thenar eminence) and the ulnar artery, is volar to the MN and the flexor tendons. The MN branches, including the recurrent motor branch (RB**), are dorsal to the SA until the distal palm, at which point the common digital nerves become volar/palmar to the digital arteries. (©Leversedge FJ, Goldfarb CA, Boyer MI. Reprinted with permission: Leversedge FJ, Goldfarb CA, Boyer MI. A Pocketbook Manual of Hand and Upper Extremity Anatomy-Primus Manus. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010:104.)

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