Related Experiment Videos
Accessory palmaris longus muscle causing ulnar nerve compression at the wrist
P J Regan1, L Feldberg, B N Bailey
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire, England.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|July 1, 1991
Summary
An accessory palmaris muscle compressing the ulnar nerve was surgically corrected. Detaching and repositioning the muscle relieved entrapment symptoms and restored hypothenar bulk.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
Background:
- Accessory muscles can cause anatomical variations and clinical symptoms.
- Ulnar nerve compression in the wrist can lead to debilitating symptoms.
Observation:
- An accessory palmaris muscle originating from the fifth metacarpal base was identified.
- This muscle coursed proximally, inserting into the palmaris longus tendon.
- The aberrant muscle path led to compression of the ulnar nerve and associated vessels.
Findings:
- Surgical detachment of the accessory palmaris muscle was performed proximally.
- The muscle was then folded to augment hypothenar eminence volume.
- Post-operative relief of ulnar nerve entrapment symptoms was achieved.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare anatomical variant causing ulnar nerve compression.
- Surgical management involving muscle repositioning can effectively treat such entrapments.
- Restoration of hypothenar bulk is a potential secondary benefit of this technique.