Abstract
Open carpal tunnel release is the commonest surgical treatment of median nerve compression at the wrist. Although successful in most cases, there are well described complications. We report a case of laceration of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve at the level of the hook of hamate following a complicated carpal tunnel decompression. Good surgical technique and knowledge of wrist anatomy are essential for performing this apparently simple procedure safely.
Highlights
C arpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest nerve entrapment of the upper limb, with an estimated lifetime risk of 10%.[1]
We report a case of complete laceration to the deep motor branch following an apparently routine carpal tunnel decompression
When the palm was explored at 12 months, we found that the deep branch of the ulnar nerve had been divided at the base of the hook of hamate with extensive scarring and neuroma formation
Summary
C arpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest nerve entrapment of the upper limb, with an estimated lifetime risk of 10%.[1]. Injury to the ulnar nerve is a less common complication of carpal tunnel decompression. We report a case of complete laceration to the deep motor branch following an apparently routine carpal tunnel decompression.
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