Median and ulnar nerve compression at the wrist caused by anomalous muscles

Abstract

Compression of the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist is frequently encountered. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs without any obvious extrinsic cause; several cases have however been reported caused by anomalous or hypertrophic muscles. A survey of the literature shows that compression neuropathy of the median nerve has been reported in relation with anomalies affecting three muscles: the first (or second) lumbrical, the palmaris longus and its anatomic variants and the superficial flexor of the index finger. In the ulnar tunnel the situation is thoroughly different: so-called idiopathic ulnar tunnel syndrome is rare and an extrinsic compressing structure can usually be disclosed. Anomalous muscles belong to the palmaris longus/abductor digiti minimi group; the flexor carpi ulnaris is sometimes involved. One can suspect the presence of such an anomalous muscle when the compression syndrome concerns a patient who is not within the "usual" age group with symptoms initiated or aggravated by physical exercise.