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Palmaris profundus: one name, several subtypes, and a shared potential for nerve compression.
Elena Pirola1, Marie-Noëlle Hébert-Blouin, Nelly Amador
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|August 1, 2009
Summary
The rare palmaris profundus tendon can cause carpal tunnel syndrome by compressing the median nerve. This anatomical variation, confirmed by MRI, highlights its significant role in nerve compression syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- The palmaris profundus is an uncommon anatomical variation.
- It can potentially cause median nerve compression and related symptoms.
Observation:
- Two cases of carpal tunnel syndrome are presented where a palmaris profundus was identified during surgery.
- Postoperative 3 Tesla MRI visualized the variant muscle's course and its close relationship with the median nerve.
Findings:
- Median nerve compression was attributed to the palmaris profundus's course and mass effect, often sharing a sheath with the median nerve.
- Alternatively, the accessory tendon reduces space within the carpal tunnel, contributing to nerve compression.
Implications:
- The palmaris profundus, despite anatomical subtypes, consistently shows a close relationship with the median nerve.
- This proximity underscores its potential to cause nerve compression and associated pathologies.
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