The Ulnar Neurovascular Bundle at the Wrist
- 1 February 1994
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)
- Vol. 19 (1) , 24-26
- https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-7681(94)90042-6
Abstract
The boundaries of Guyon’s canal have recently been redefined by a series of anatomical dissections. These showed that the confines of this space do not extend from the pisiform to the hook of the hamate, as currently accepted. The fascial roof extends radial to the hook of the hamate, which allows the ulnar neurovascular bundle to course radial to the hamate hook. The position of the ulnar nerve and artery is of particular significance for endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Most endoscopic devices are designed to divide the flexor retinaculum just to the radial aspect of the hamate hook. Utilizing cross-sectional analysis of nine cadaver specimens, we found the ulnar artery to course radial to the hamate hook in five and palmar to it in four. Therefore, the ulnar artery may be at greater risk of injury during endoscopic procedures than previously recognized.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Anatomy of the flexor retinaculumThe Journal of Hand Surgery, 1993
- Endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel: A randomized prospective multicenter studyThe Journal of Hand Surgery, 1992