Sonographic diagnosis of anatomical variations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome

J Clin Ultrasound. 2014 Jul-Aug;42(6):371-4. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22118. Epub 2013 Dec 3.

Abstract

Bifid median nerve is an anatomic variation that occurs in about 18% of patients with symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome and in about 15% of symptom-free subjects. Reversed palmaris longus is a rare anatomic muscular variation. The simultaneous presence of a bifid median nerve and a reversed palmaris longus has been very rarely described, usually during surgical exploration or in cadavers. We present two cases where ultrasound showed the presence of both abnormalities, allowing a correct diagnosis and influencing the treatment plan.

Keywords: bifid median nerve; musculoskeletal; nerve entrapment; peripheral nerves; reversed palmaris longus; sonography.

MeSH terms

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / surgery*
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Forearm / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Median Nerve / abnormalities*
  • Median Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / abnormalities*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Recovery of Function
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods