The hazards of the neurovascular passage in the wrist. Les aléas du passage neurovasculaire au niveau du poignet

Objective. - Wrist problems are common in grip sports. To better understand the entrapment symptomatology of the different neurovascular passages of the wrist, an anatomical revision seems necessary because confusion and error has increased lately. This study will focus on the ulnar canal. Comparison of the original description of the canal with definitions emanating from scientific papers, anatomical handbooks and Internet websites reveal various differences, which may create clinical confusion.
Design. - With the original paper of Guyon as a reference, comparison was made (i) with 37 cadavers (74 wrists); (ii) with an Internet search and; (iii) with a bibliographic survey. The dissections allowed for the verification of Guyon's description and were used to illustrate the findings.
Results. - Dissection of 74 wrists confirmed Guyon's original description. Out of the 2559 Internet hits, papers in English, French, German and Dutch were considered, only. The Internet websites and the published material presented an erroneous images and/or explanations.
Conclusion. - Dissection and bibliometry suggest that the canal has received multiple denominations including a confusion with the "canalis pisohamatum". This confusion is situated on Internet sites, in scientific/clinical papers and in "classical anatomy literature". A better understanding of this region will undoubtedly enhance our knowledge of entrapment pathologies.

Jaar van publicatie:2008

Trefwoorden:pisohamatum tunnel, ulnar tunnel, Guyon, carpal tunnel, wrist