What tendons are located in the carpal tunnel and what other structures are present?

From the Guidelines

The carpal tunnel contains nine flexor tendons, including the flexor digitorum superficialis tendons, flexor digitorum profundus tendons, and the flexor pollicis longus tendon, which are crucial for finger flexion. These tendons, along with the median nerve, pass through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament 1. The anatomy of the carpal tunnel and its contents is essential in understanding conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where compression of the median nerve can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected fingers. Some key points to consider about the tendons in the carpal tunnel include:

• The flexor digitorum superficialis tendons are responsible for flexion of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers
• The flexor digitorum profundus tendons are responsible for flexion of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, as well as the wrist
• The flexor pollicis longus tendon is responsible for flexion of the thumb The carpal tunnel decompression procedure, which is often used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms, but may be associated with more complications compared to non-surgical treatment 1.

From the Research

Tendons in Carpal Tunnel

• The carpal tunnel contains tendons, nerves, and other structures that can be affected by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) 2.
• CTS is a compressive neuropathic disorder at the level of the wrist, which can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling 2.

Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Acupuncture and related interventions, such as electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture, have been used to treat CTS 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Some studies have found that acupuncture can improve symptoms of CTS, including pain, numbness, and tingling 3, 4, 5.
• However, the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for CTS is not convincing, and further rigorous studies are required to establish its therapeutic value 2, 6.

Comparison of Acupuncture with Other Treatments

• Acupuncture has been compared with other treatments for CTS, including oral steroids, ibuprofen, and splints 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Some studies have found that acupuncture is more effective than these treatments in improving symptoms of CTS 3, 4, 5.
• However, the evidence is not consistent, and further studies are needed to determine the relative effectiveness of acupuncture compared with other treatments for CTS 2, 6.

Adverse Events

• Acupuncture has been found to be generally safe, with few adverse events reported, including skin bruising, local pain, and temporary paraesthesia 2.
• However, not all studies have reported adverse event data, and further research is needed to fully assess the safety of acupuncture for CTS 2.