title: Value of anatomic landmarks in carpal tunnel surgery.
abstract: This study investigated which anatomic landmarks were most useful for correct and safe incision placement in carpal tunnel surgery. Kirschner wires were attached to the hands to mark previously defined landmarks. The bony attachments of the transverse carpal ligament, which were identified previously, were drawn on an anteroposterior digital x-ray of the hand, with the thumb in full abduction. The relationship between anatomic landmarks and these bony attachments were examined. In all hands, either the line along the third web space or the crease between the thenar and the hypothenar regions, or both, were on the ulnar half of the transverse carpal ligament. During incision placement, we recommend selecting the most ulnar choice between the line drawn along the third web space and the crease between the thenar and hypothenar regions in order to be at safe distance from the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Fatih University, Ankara, Turkey. oyyavuz@yahoo.com
authors: O Y
authors: OY
authors: Yavuz
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Uras
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Tasbas
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Kaya
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Ozay
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Komurcu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anatomy; carpal tunnel surgery; minimal incision; transverse carpal ligament