Turkish Neurosurgery
An Anatomical Variation to Consider for a Safe Carpal Tunnel Surgery: Transverse Carpal Muscle
Saygı Uygur1, Tolga Akbıyık2, Ayşe Esin Polat3, Celal Bağdatoğlu4
1Mersin University, Neurosurgery, Mersin,
2Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Neurosurgery, Adana,
3Dr. Akçiçek State Hospital, Orthopedic and Traumatology Surgery, Kyrenia,
4Mersin University (Retired), Neurosurgery, Mersin,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.43228-22.2
Aim:This study aims to investigate the occurrence of transverse carpal muscle (TCM) around the carpal tunnel, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), thus, disorienting surgeons during surgery.Material and Methods:We examined patients in our department between January 2007 and March 2021 to identify those who have had CTS surgery. The frequency of TCM occurrence was assessed in 149 carpal tunnel surgeries.Results:Three (2%) cases of accessory TCM overlying the transverse carpal ligament were reported. All of the variations of TCM occurred in the patients’ left hand. Two patients out of the 3 cases were female, whereas the third was male.Conclusion:There is currently insufficient evidence to suggest that TCM causes CTS. Cadaveric dissections should be performed to analyze the origin of TCM. Even if this muscle variation is not causing CTS, especially during minimally invasive surgeries, to not lose orientation should be kept in mind.
Corresponding author : Celal Bağdatoğlu