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Open Access 29-03-2024 | Cubital Tunnel Syndrome | Anatomic Variations

The anatomical variations of the cubital tunnel in a South African body donor sample

Authors: Sophie Rose Munro, Kerryn-Anne Mac Dermott, Kerri Keet

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

Abstract

Purpose

The ulnar nerve (UN) courses through the cubital tunnel, which is a potential site of entrapment. Anatomical variations of the cubital tunnel may contribute towards cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), however, these are not well described. The aim was to compare the range of variations and dimensions of the cubital tunnel and the UN between sexes and sides of the body.

Methods

Sixty elbows from 30 embalmed bodies (17 males and 13 females) were dissected. The prevalence of the cubital tunnel retinaculum (CuTR) or anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) forming the roof of the tunnel was determined. The length, width, thickness, and diameter of the cubital tunnel and its roof were measured. The diameter of the UN was measured.

Results

The AE was present in 5%, whereas the CuTR was present in the remaining 95% of elbows. The tunnel was 32.1 ± 4.8 mm long, 23.4 ± 14.2 mm wide, 0.18 ± (0.22–0.14) mm thick, and the median diameter was 7.9 ± (9.0–7.1) mm, while the median diameter of the UN was 1.6 ± (1.8–1.3) mm. The AE was thicker than the CuTR (p < 0.001) and the UN was larger in elbows with the AE present (p = 0.002). The tunnel was longer in males (p < 0.001) and wider on the right (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

The roof of the cubital tunnel was more frequently composed of the CuTR. The cubital tunnel varied in size between sexes and sides. Future research should investigate the effect of the variations in patients with CuTS.

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Title: The anatomical variations of the cubital tunnel in a South African body donor sample
Authors: Sophie Rose Munro
Kerryn-Anne Mac Dermott
Kerri Keet
Publication date: 29-03-2024
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keyword: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-024-03327-8

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Springer Medicine

The anatomical variations of the cubital tunnel in a South African body donor sample

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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