Faculty Collaboration Database

The detailed anatomy of the palmar cutaneous nerves and its clinical implications. J Hand Surg Br 1998 Jun;23(3):373-9

Date

07/17/1998

Pubmed ID

9665529

DOI

10.1016/s0266-7681(98)80061-2

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0031808979 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   48 Citations

Abstract

The forearms and hands of 40 fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected under the microscope to study the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBm) and the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (PCBu). Branches of the PCBm innervating the scaphoid were typically found, but in no specimen did we find a 'typical' cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. According to our findings, standard incisions for open carpal tunnel release carry a significant risk of damaging branches of the PCBm or PCBu. The chance of injury to these sensory nerves can be minimized by using a short incision in the proximal palm or a twin incision approach, which we describe. Because the PCBm is closely associated with the ulnar side of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) sheath, this sheath should be opened on the radial side during harvest of the FCR tendon for transfer. When transferring the palmaris longus tendon, it should be cut proximal to the distal wrist crease to avoid possible damage to the PCBm.

Author List

Matloub HS, Yan JG, Mink Van Der Molen AB, Zhang LL, Sanger JR

Authors

Hani S. Matloub MD Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
James R. Sanger MD Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Cadaver
Female
Hand
Humans
Male
Median Nerve
Wrist