Median nerve versus flexor tendons: visualization of median nerve level changes in the proximal carpal tunnel during wrist movement with dynamic high-resolution ultrasound

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective ultrasound study was to document dorso-palmar (vertical) displacement of the median nerve in relation to the superficial flexor tendons at the level of the carpal tunnel. Furthermore, the gliding patterns of the median nerve were characterized. The presence of vertical gliding was intended to serve as an additional bio-kinematic parameter of median nerve movement, and will be referred to as a ‘level change’.

Keywords

• carpal tunnel
• dynamic high-resolution ultrasound
• median nerve gliding
• nerve biomechanics