Xiuyue Xu1, Jie Lao, Xin Zhao. 1. Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, No.12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, China, 20040.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify palmar cutaneous branches of median nerve and ulnar nerve (PCBMN and PCBUN) and try to find a safe path at wrist and forearm in the decompression procedure of carpal tunnel syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten formalin-fixed and five fresh-frozen cadaveric forearms were included in the study. The cross point of longitude of middle finger and distal wrist crease was defined as 0 point. Distal wrist crease (DWC) and 0 point were chosen as references for measurements. Several points on the pathway of PCBMN and PCBUN were measured. RESULTS: The average distance between the origin of the PCBMN and PCBUN to the DWC was 4.95 ± 0.88 cm, 10.12 ± 1.50 cm, separately. The average distance between DWC and the point where PCBMN and PCBUN separated from their trunk was found to be 2.09 ± 0.31 cm, 2.90 ± 0.50 cm, separately. The distances between PCBMN, PCBUN and 0 point at DWC level was found to be 0.61 ± 0.12 cm, 0.47 ± 0.31 cm, separately. The diameters of two cutaneous branches were 0.10 ± 0.02 cm, 0.11 ± 0.04 cm, separately. CONCLUSION: The general longitudinal palmar incision could avoid injuries to recurrent branch of median nerve and distal branches of palmar cutaneous nerve can be avoided macroscopically. The area about 5 mm ulnar and 6 mm radial to 0 point at wrist level was a relatively safe area.
OBJECTIVE: To identify palmar cutaneous branches of median nerve and ulnar nerve (PCBMN and PCBUN) and try to find a safe path at wrist and forearm in the decompression procedure of carpal tunnel syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten formalin-fixed and five fresh-frozen cadaveric forearms were included in the study. The cross point of longitude of middle finger and distal wrist crease was defined as 0 point. Distal wrist crease (DWC) and 0 point were chosen as references for measurements. Several points on the pathway of PCBMN and PCBUN were measured. RESULTS: The average distance between the origin of the PCBMN and PCBUN to the DWC was 4.95 ± 0.88 cm, 10.12 ± 1.50 cm, separately. The average distance between DWC and the point where PCBMN and PCBUN separated from their trunk was found to be 2.09 ± 0.31 cm, 2.90 ± 0.50 cm, separately. The distances between PCBMN, PCBUN and 0 point at DWC level was found to be 0.61 ± 0.12 cm, 0.47 ± 0.31 cm, separately. The diameters of two cutaneous branches were 0.10 ± 0.02 cm, 0.11 ± 0.04 cm, separately. CONCLUSION: The general longitudinal palmar incision could avoid injuries to recurrent branch of median nerve and distal branches of palmar cutaneous nerve can be avoided macroscopically. The area about 5 mm ulnar and 6 mm radial to 0 point at wrist level was a relatively safe area.
Authors: Lasitha B Samarakoon; Malith H Guruge; Madusha Jayasekara; Ajith P Malalasekera; Dimonge J Anthony; Rohan W Jayasekara Journal: Patient Saf Surg Date: 2014-02-17