Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
6131116
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Definition of a safe-zone in open carpal tunnel surgery: a cadaver study
Author(s)
Ozcanli, H; Coskun, NK; Cengiz, M; Oguz, N; Sindel, M
Year
2010
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
ISSN:
0930-1038
EISSN:
1279-8517
Volume
32
Issue
3
Page Numbers
203-206
Language
English
PMID
19337677
DOI
10.1007/s00276-009-0498-7
Web of Science Id
WOS:000275909300003
Abstract
Carpal tunnel decompression is one of the most common surgical procedures in hand surgery. Cutaneous innervation of the palm by median and ulnar nerves was evaluated to find a suitable incision preserving cutaneous nerves. A morphometric study was designed to define the safe-zone for mini-open carpal tunnel release. Sixteen fresh-frozen (8 right, 8 left) and 14 formalin-fixed (8 right, 6 left) cadaveric hands were dissected. Anatomy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median and the ulnar nerve, motor branch of the median nerve, superficial palmar arch were evaluated relative to the surgical incision. We also identified the motor branch of the median nerve. Detailed measurements of the whole palmar region are reported in this study. The motor branch of the median nerve was extraligamentous as 60%, subligamentous as 34%, transligamentous as 6%. The palmar cutaneous branches of the median and the ulnar nerves in the palmar region were classified as Type A (34%), Type B (13%), Type C (13%), Type D (none), Type E (40%) according to forms of palmar cutaneous innervation originating from the ulnar and median nerves. Injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN) is the most common complication of the carpal tunnel surgery. Various techniques were described to decrease post-operative morbidity. Based on these anatomic findings mini incision between the superficial palmar arch and the most distal part of the PCBMN in the palmar region is the safe-zone for carpal tunnel surgery.
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity