Transverse Carpal Ligament

The Flexor Retinaculum, sometimes referred to as the Transverse Carpal Ligament, is a robust, fibrous band found in the wrist. The hand's carpal bones, which are tiny bones that make up the wrist and base of the hand, are where it crosses. The median nerve and the flexor tendons of the fingers and thumb pass through the wrist's carpal tunnel, which is formed by this ligament.

When it comes to the stability and functionality of the hand, the transverse carpal ligament is absolutely essential. It keeps the median nerve and flexor tendons secure as they pass through the carpal tunnel and preserves the alignment of the carpal bones. However, carpal tunnel syndrome can happen if the carpal tunnel gets too small or the tissues around the flexor tendons enlarge and push on the median nerve. The hands and fingers may experience numbness, tingling, and weakening as a result of this illness.

A surgical procedure known as a carpal tunnel release may be carried out in cases of severe carpal tunnel syndrome. To release pressure on the median nerve, one must cut the transverse carpal ligament. Although it can lessen carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, this may also somewhat reduce grip power.

References

Netter, Frank H. Atlas of Human Anatomy. Elsevier, 2021. Accessed 15 Aug 2023.

Palmer, David H., and Richard A. Berger. "Carpal Ligament Anatomy and Biomechanics." Hand Clinics, vol. 31, no. 3, 2015, pp. 399–408. Accessed 15 Aug 2023

"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603. Accessed 15 Aug 2023