The flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament) is the strong fibrous band bridging the carpal tunnel from the scaphoid and trapezium radially to the pisiform and hook of hamate ulnarly, forming the roof of the carpal tunnel. It contains nine flexor tendons and the median nerve.
Creates the carpal tunnel by forming the palmar roof over the concave carpal arch, maintains the carpal arch shape, provides origin for the thenar and hypothenar muscles, and is the structure released in carpal tunnel decompression.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (the most common peripheral nerve compression neuropathy) results from median nerve compression beneath the flexor retinaculum. Carpal tunnel release (division of the flexor retinaculum) is the most frequently performed hand surgery. Incomplete release leaving the proximal or distal retinaculum intact is the most common cause of failed CTS surgery.
Median nerve compression beneath the flexor retinaculum producing thenar wasting, numbness in the radial 3.5 digits, and nocturnal pain, treated by open or endoscopic retinaculum division.
Persistent CTS symptoms from incomplete flexor retinaculum division (proximal or distal portion left intact), the most common cause of failed carpal tunnel surgery requiring revision release.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
