Inclusive Anatomy
Structure:
The ulnar canal is a fibro-osseous passage located on the anteromedial aspect of the wrist, providing a conduit for the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery as they enter the hand.[1] The canal measures approximately 4 cm in length and extends from the proximal edge of the transverse carpal ligament to the aponeurotic arch of the hypothenar muscles.[2]
The roof of the ulnar canal is formed by the palmar carpal ligament and palmaris brevis muscle, while the floor is composed of the flexor retinaculum and hypothenar musculature.[1] Medially, the canal is bordered by the pisiform bone and the pisohamate ligament, and laterally by the hook of the hamate.[1] These rigid boundaries make the canal susceptible to neurovascular compression.[1]
Function:
Popular
Recipes
The ulnar canal transmits the ulnar nerve and ulnar artery from the forearm into the hand, where they supply intrinsic hand muscles and provide sensation to the medial palm and digits.[3]
Compression of the ulnar nerve within the ulnar canal can result in ulnar tunnel syndrome, characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy affecting the ring and little fingers and intrinsic hand muscles.[4] The specific pattern of symptoms depends on the level and branch of the ulnar nerve involved within the canal.[4]
References:
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Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 6th ed. International ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
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Wheeless CR. Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics. Accessed October 19, 2024. https://www.wheelessonline.com/
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Hoppenfeld S, Zeide MS. Orthopaedic Dictionary. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1994.
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Shea JD, McClain EJ. Ulnar-nerve compression syndromes at and below the wrist. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1969;51(6):1095-1103.
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