Carpal Tunnel

Question 1

Two layers of the carpal tunnel

Answer 1

The deep carpal arch and a superficial flexor retinaculum.

Question 2

Deep Carpal Arch

Answer 2

This is concave on the palmar side, forming the base and the sides of the carpal tunnel. It is formed laterally by the scaphoid and trapezium tubercles. It is formed medially by the hook of the hamate and the pisiform bones.

Question 3

Flexor Retinaculum

Answer 3

Thick connective tissue which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. It turns the carpal arch into the carpal tunnel by bridging the gap between the lateral and medial parts. It originates on the lateral side and inserts on the medial side.

Question 4

Tendons within the carpal tunnel

Answer 4

The tendon of flexor pollicus longus, the four tendons of flexor digitorum profundus and the four tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis.

Question 5

Synovial sheaths of the tendons in the carpal tunnel

Answer 5

The tendons of flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis are covered by the same synovial sheath. The tendon of flexor pollicus longus has its own synovial sheath.

Question 6

Median nerve in the carpal tunnel

Answer 6

Once it passes through it branches into the reccurent branch and the palmar digital nerves.

Question 7

Palmar Digital Nerves

Answer 7

Sensory innervation to the palmar skin and the dorsal nail beds of the lateral three and a half digits. Motor innervation to the lateral two lumbricals.

Question 8

Recurrent branch

Answer 8

Supplies motor to the thenar muscle group

Question 9

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Answer 9

Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Numbness, tingling and pain in the distribution of the median nerve. Pain will usually radiate to the forearm.