Variations ignored in routine wrist MRI reports: prevalence of the median nerve anatomical variations and persistent median artery

Abstract

Background

It is vital to know the anatomical variations of the wrist to avoid iatrogenic injuries during carpal tunnel (CT) surgery.

Purpose

To determine the anatomical variations of the median nerve (MN) and the prevalence of persistent median artery (PMA) on wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

A total of 300 wrists evaluated by MRI during 2013–2015 were retrospectively identified. While branching of the MN distal to the CT is accepted as the normal anatomy, proximal to the tunnel and within the tunnel were considered as variations. The prevalence of PMA was also evaluated. The patients were assigned to groups according to age, gender, and wrist side and compared to determine whether there was any significant difference in terms of these variations. All evaluations were assessed with the shared decision of a musculoskeletal radiologist and a radiology resident.

Results

Of the 300 wrists, 38 (12.7%) and 34 (11.3%) had a bifid MN proximal to the CT and within the CT, respectively. Only one nerve trifurcation was seen within the CT. The MN exhibited branching distal to the CT in 227 (76%) patients. PMA was observed in 44 (14.7%) patients. Of the 44 PMA cases, 28 (63.6%) also had a coexisting MN variation. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of MN variations and PMA in the subgroups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Nearly one in four patients (24.4%) have MN variations and 14.8% had PMA. Preoperative evaluation of these common anatomical variations with MRI will be protective against postoperative complications of CT surgery.