What is the function of the flexor retinaculum?

The flexor retinaculum protects nine of the forearm flexor tendons and median nerve as they pass through the carpal tunnel. [1] If this tissue becomes inflamed, swollen, or fibrotic, the median nerve can become irritated or compressed, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Is flexor retinaculum a ligament?

The flexor retinaculum (also known as the transverse carpal ligament) is a rectangular-shaped fibrous band located at the ventral aspect of the wrist.

What goes through the flexor retinaculum?

The flexor retinaculum is the roof of the carpal tunnel, through which the median nerve and tendons of muscles which flex the hand pass.

What does the carpal ligament do?

The ligament plays an important role is stabilizing all of those little bones (carpals) in the wrist. It also serves as an anchor for several important hand muscles (including the one on the meaty part of the thumb).

Can you tear your flexor retinaculum?

Medial flexor retinaculum injuries are not uncommon, but medial flexor retinaculum periosteal avulsion injuries are rare. This patient sustained a medial flexor retinaculum tear readily characterized at computed tomography by an associated proximal retinacular avulsion fracture from the posteromedial tibia.

What is the function of the retinaculum at the wrist?

The extensor retinaculum of the wrist is the broad ligamentous sheet located at the dorsal aspect of the wrist and functions to keep the extensor tendons in alignment and prevent bowstringing during movement.

Does the carpal ligament grow back?

The primary goal of surgery is to decompress the median nerve by cutting and releasing the transverse carpal ligament. Following surgery, the cut transverse carpal ligament heals and gradually grows back together, leaving a larger area within the tunnel for the nerve.

How painful is carpal tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be very painful and sometimes causes unusual sensations. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome tends to worsen and can lead to permanent damage of the median nerve.

Can retinaculum repair itself?

Background: Superior peroneal retinaculum tears are often mistaken for lateral ankle instability. These tears often do not heal readily by themselves and must be identified so that proper treatment can begin.

How is retinaculum treated?

TREATMENT. Restrictions of the retinacula can be treated quite effectively with Manual Therapy and a series of corrective exercises. Treating with manual therapy involves breaking restrictions between the retinaculum and the tendon.

What is a retinaculum tear?

In order for the tendon to move out of place, the peroneal retinaculum has to be torn. This is a ligament that hold the tendons in place behind the lateral malleolus (lower end the fibula).