Background: In a detailed analysis of the palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve (PCN) in the Chinese adults, we tried to evaluate its anatomic variation and clinical significance.
Methods: Observations were described in all the 60 specimens of the PCN at the wrist.
Results: The PCN was present in all 60 specimens and in most cases (88.3%) it originated from the radial side of the median nerve and the average length from the palmaris longus was 1.4 cm; ulnarward (11.7%); only 5 cases (4.1%) were located at ulnar side and extended beyond the palmaris longus, the average distance being 0.3 cm. Its mean point of origin was 3.2 cm proximal to the distal wrist crease and the variations of the PCN in Lanz classification were: group 0 (31.7%), group 1 (40%), group 2 (15%), group 3 (0%) and group 4 (13.3%).
Conclusions: Longitudinal incision located 1 cm on the ulnar side from palmaris longus could avoid injury to the PCN during decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome.