The Carpal Tunnel

Question 1

what is the carpal tunnel?

Answer 1

the carpal tunnel is the passageway from the forearm to the hand passing deep to the flexor retinaculum

Question 2

what is the flexor retinaculum?

Answer 2

a strong fibrous band which stabilises the concavity of the palmar surface of the carpus (carpal bones), transmitting a number of structures.

Question 3

The flexor retinaculum is anchored to 4 of the carpal bones. Which are they?

Answer 3

• scaphoid and trapezium on the lateral side
• pisiform and hamate bone on the medial side

Question 4

what are the contents of the carpal tunnel?

Answer 4

• 4 tendons of FDP
• 4 tendons of FDS
• 1 tendon of flexor pollicis longus
• median nerve

Question 5

what is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer 5

Clinical – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This is a common clinical condition in which any reduction in the space (secondary to swelling) within the carpal tunnel can result in weakness and tingling in the muscles and skin supplied by the median nerve. If ignored this can result in long-term functional issues

The solution?…a simple procedure in which the flexor retinaculum is dissected under local or general anaesthetic and the nerve is freed