A Transverse Carpal Muscle Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Konstantinos Natsis; Maria Piagkou; Georgios Koimtzis; Aristeidis H Zibis

doi:10.7759/cureus.7275

A Transverse Carpal Muscle Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cureus. 2020 Mar 15;12(3):e7275. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7275.

Authors

Konstantinos Natsis¹, Maria Piagkou², Georgios Koimtzis³, Aristeidis H Zibis⁴

Affiliations

¹ Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC.
² Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC.
³ General Surgery and Critical Care, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, GBR.
⁴ Anatomy, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, GRC.

Abstract

Accessory and atypical muscles of the upper limb are common, whereas symptomatic variations presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are rare. A rare unilateral accessory transverse carpal muscle located palmar to the transverse carpal ligament is described. The accessory muscle, associated with CTS clinical manifestations in a 38-year-old Greek male worker, can be quite problematic during CTS operation. The current case emphasizes the importance of meticulous knowledge of the variable anatomy of the carpal tunnel (CT) area, since the accessory muscles may be accompanied by ectopic motor branches and a high risk of iatrogenic injury. Recognition and careful evaluation of accessory muscles may enhance a surgeon's ability to carry out a safer and successful CT approach.

Keywords: accessory innervation; accessory muscle; anomalous muscle; carpal tunnel syndrome; compression; neuropathy; upper extremity.

Publication types

Case Reports