A CADAVER STUDY OF PALMAR CUTANEOUS BRANCH OF MEDIAN NERVE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN CARPEL TUNNEL RELEASE

Dr M.D.Thenmozhi; Dr.S.Sivakumar; Dr.E.Kandasamy Alias Kumar

Volume : VI, Issue : XII, December - 2017

A CADAVER STUDY OF PALMAR CUTANEOUS BRANCH OF MEDIAN NERVE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN CARPEL TUNNEL RELEASE

Dr M. D. Thenmozhi, Dr. S. Sivakumar, Dr. E. Kandasamy Alias Kumar

Abstract :

Background:The palmar cutaneous anch of the median nerve is one of the main anches of median nerve that can easily get injured during open carpal tunnel release. Knowledge of the variations of the median nerve at the wrist is significant for the surgical treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Aim:1.To study and trace the anatomic course of palmar cutaneous anch of the median nerve.2.To analyse the variations of palmar cutaneous anch of the median nerve.3.To assess the other sensory nerve contributions to the palm. 4.To analyse the post operative sequelae following accidental division of palmar cutaneous anch of median nerve in carpal tunnel release. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted in Department of Plastic surgery and Department of Anatomy, Coimbatore Medical college . Study Period: August 2007 to June2010. 24 hands of 12 cadavers were dissected. The incision was made from mid-forearm, extending vertically up to distal wrist crease. The incision turned towards the ulnar aspect of thumb. The palmar cutaneous anch of the median nerve was identified between the tendon of flexor Carpi radialis and Palmaris longus.The variations and other sensory nerve contributions were noted. The findings were recorded, photographed and tabulated..Conclusion: PalmarCutaneous anch of Median nerve is not present as it is described in text books.It is not a constant anch of Median nerve and mainly supplies thenar eminence.So, accidental division of Palmar Cutaneous Branch of Median Nerve may not cause sensory loss in the palm as there are additional contributions from anches from median nerve and common digital nerves.