Flexor retinaculum

Question 1

What is the flexor retinaculum?

Answer 1

Also known as the transverse carpal ligament, it forms the roof of the carpal tunnel.

Question 2

What are its attachments?

Answer 2

lateral: tubercles of trapezium and scaphoid medial: pisiform, triquetrum and hook of hamate

Question 3

What are the boundaries and contents of the carpal tunnel (deep)?

Answer 3

roof: flexor retinaculum floor: carpal bones contents: 9 flexor tendons + median nerve

Question 4

What structures are present in the carpal tunnel?

Answer 4

flexor digitorum superficialis (4) flexor digitorum profundus (4) flexor pollicis longus (1) median nerve

Question 5

What are the structures superficial to carpal tunnel?

Answer 5

palmaris longus ulnar nerve ulnar artery radial artery - posterior to anatomical snuff box palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve

Question 6

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 6

irritation or infection of the synovial sheath might cause inflammation and therefore, fluid/pus might spread by tracking along fluid filled conduit in sheath.