The cutaneous innervation of the palm and its implications during carpal tunnel release surgery

Abstract

The evolution of the technique of carpal tunnel release reflects growing awareness of the cutaneous innervation of the palm and its implication on postoperative scar tenderness.The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN)has received the most attention in past reports addressing local complications during carpal tunnel release [1-3].Several anatomical dissections have demonstrated the course of this nerve and underscored its vulnerability during surgical approaches to the carpal tunnel near the thenar crease [4-6]. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.