The blood supply of the flexor retinaculum.

The anatomical details of the vascularization of the flexor retinaculum of the hand have been studied. The principal sources of blood supply were revealed by means of coloured latex injection and trans-clarification by the Spalteholz method. Micro-dissection demonstrated the existence of two networks, superficial and deep; the superficial network is formed by branches of the ulnar artery and the deep network by branches of the palmar superficial arch. These observations could have practical significance with regard to the site of incision in carpal tunnel operations.