Anatomical Characteristics Of The Transverse Carpal Ligament, Distal Portion Of The Flexor Retinaculum And Their Relationship With Related Structures On Adult Vietnamese Cadavers

Abstract

Background: Understanding the anatomy of the transverse carpal ligament and its relationship to surrounding neural and vascular structures is important to reduce the complication rate in carpal tunnel release surgery. This study aimed to determine the dimensions of the transverse carpal ligament, the distal portion of the flexor retinaculum, and their relationship to the superficial palmar arch and the recurrent thenar branch of the median nerve.

Methods: The study was conducted on 16 fresh frozen cadaveric hand samples of Vietnamese adults.

Results: In 16 hand samples, the mean length at the center of the transverse carpal ligament was 12.1±2.5 mm, and the distal part of the flexor retinaculum was 12.1±2.7 mm. The mean distance from the distal edge of the transverse carpal ligament to the arcus palmaris superficialis along the vertical line was 25.0±4.3 mm and the distance from the distal edge of the flexor retinaculum to the arcus palmaris superficialis along the vertical line was 12.6±3.8 mm. The study noted that 100% of the hand samples had a recurrent branch of the median nerve that branched below the distal edge of the transverse carpal ligament and outside the vertical line, towards the arcus palmaris superficialis.

Conclusion: The study gives detailed information about the structure of the transverse carpal ligament, the distal part of the flexor retinaculum, and how it connects to other important parts of the body.