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Ultrasound of the ulnar–palmar region of the wrist: normal anatomy and anatomic variations

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Abstract

Ultrasound (US) assessment of the wrist is frequently used for the evaluation of carpal tunnel due to high frequency of local compression of the median nerve (MN), but the ulnar–palmar wrist region (UPWR) has received limited attention in the medical literature. The possibilities of US in the assessment of UPWR are therefore likely underestimated by sonologists. This review article is focused on the US assessment of the normal anatomy and anatomic variations of the UPWR. The anatomy of this region of the wrist is complex and less studied than the radial side. In an effort to simplify it and to present it didactically, we have divided this region in three parts on the basis of osseous landmarks. Our review indicates sonography is effective in identifying the UPWR and related disorders, and is thus a valuable tool for ensuring appropriate management of a variety of disorders.

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Abbreviations

FCU:

Flexor carpi ulnaris

PQ:

Pronator quadratus

GC:

Guyon’s canal

UA:

Ulnar artery

SBUA:

Superficial branch of the ulnar artery

DBUA:

Deep branch of the ulnar artery

UN:

Ulnar nerve

DCBUN:

Dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve

DBUN:

Deep branch of the ulnar nerve

SBUN:

Superficial branch of the ulnar nerve

PDN:

Proper digital nerve

CDN:

Common digital nerve

PHL:

Pisohamate ligament

PCL:

Palmar carpal ligament

TCL:

Transverse carpal ligament

PBM:

Palmaris brevis muscle

ADM:

Abductor digiti minimi

FDM:

Flexor digiti minimi muscle

ODM:

Opponens digiti minimi muscle

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the invaluable help of Marco Becciolini MD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CIM SA Cabinet d’imagerie Médicale, 40a route de Malagnou 1208, Geneva, Switzerland

    Stefano Bianchi

  2. Hand Surgery Unit, Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland

    Jean-Yves Beaulieu

  3. Division of Radiology, Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève, 4 Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland

    Stefano Bianchi & Pierre-Alexandre Poletti

Authors
  1. Stefano Bianchi
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  2. Jean-Yves Beaulieu
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  3. Pierre-Alexandre Poletti
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Correspondence to Stefano Bianchi.

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Bianchi, S., Beaulieu, JY. & Poletti, PA. Ultrasound of the ulnar–palmar region of the wrist: normal anatomy and anatomic variations. J Ultrasound 23, 365–378 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-020-00468-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-020-00468-5

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