Objective
To investigate the characteristics of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN) in patient with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using high-resolution ultrasound.
Methods
Fourteen healthy volunteers (17 wrists) and 31 patients with CTS (41 wrists) were evaluated by high-resolution ultrasound. All patients were classified into three groups based on the electrophysiologic CTS impairment severity: mild, moderate, and severe. Using high-resolution ultrasound, the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the PCBMN were measured at the proximal wrist crease, bistyloid line, and distal wrist crease, and the largest CSA was defined as the maximal CSA.
Results
The maximal CSA of the PCBMN of the control, mild, moderate, and severe CTS groups were 0.27±0.08, 0.30±0.07, 0.35±0.10, and 0.47±0.13 mm², respectively. The maximal CSA of the PCBMN was significantly larger in the severe CTS group than in the other groups.
Conclusion
The PCBMN could be concomitantly affected in patients with severe CTS.

Citations

• The Role of Palmar Cutaneous Branch Release in Enhancing Surgical Outcomes for Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  Gokhan Sayer, Zeki Gunsoy, Fatih Golgelioglu, Omer Faruk Bayrakcioglu, Turan Bilge Kizkapan, Sener Ozboluk, Mustafa Dinc, Sinan Oguzkaya
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(7): 2196.     CrossRef
• A novel technique of using percutaneous nerve catheter for post-operative analgesia and early mobilization in hand surgeries
  B. N. J. Kamath, Keerthan R. Nayak, Megha Thaleppady, K. R. Kamath
  Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research.2023; 8: 41.     CrossRef