The effect of Riche-Cannieu anastomosis on the diagnosis of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effect of the Riche-Cannieu anastomosis, an anomalous anastomosis between the deep branch of ulnar nerve and the recurrent branch of median nerve in the palm of the hand, on the diagnosis of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods Twelve patients (2 male, 10 female, mean age 49.8 years) with carpal tunnel syndrome with the presence of Riche-Cannieu anastomosis were tested in this study. Their clinical data including the symptoms and signs, electrophysiological findings and diagnosis were collected and discussed in relation to an anatomical review of these nerves. Results Due to the existence of the Riche-Cannieu anastomosis, the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome spared part or all of the function of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle. It may result in an unconformity of the patients′lesion degree caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and its clinical symptoms and electrophysiological findings. Conclusion Knowledge of the Riche-Cannieu anastomosis is of crucial importance in the clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as in avoiding errors in interpreting the electrophysiological data of the patients.