Sorry for the late upload. Had researched on the wrong ulnar nerve syndrome =.= .
Guyon’s Canal Syndrome
- is also known as ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist.
- The ulnar nerve travels in a groove found in between the pisiform and hook of hamate.*
- The groove is covered by a band of fibrous tissue extending from the flexor retinaculum , hence forming a canal.
- Ulnar Artery also runs together in the canal.
- After passing through the canal, the ulnar nerve branches out to supply the pinky, half of the ring finger and muscles in the palm and muslces that pull the thumb towards the palm.
What can cause entrapment
- Entrapment can be caused by the breaking of the hamate bone.*
Working with the hand bent down and outwards can squeeze the nerve within the canal.
- Constant pressure on the palm also can produce symptoms
- Traumatic wrist injury would have caused swelling and this would lead to pressure on the canal, compressing the ulnar nerve.
- Rare case scenario, blood clot occurs, compresses the nerve. *
Signs and Symptoms
- Pins and needles feeling in the pinky and half of the ring finger
- Hands become clumsy *
- Burning sensation in the wrist due to irritation of the nerves
- Gradual muscle weakness
Investigations
- Inject steroid and xylocaine (LA) into the guyon’s canal . if there’s symptom relief, then it would SUPPORT a diagnosis of Guyon’s Canal.
- Nerve conduction test can be performed *
Treatment
Non - surgical : prevent doing activitie involving wrist being bent out and downwards.
: avoid repetitive hand motions, heavy grasping of things
: wrist brace can be used to relieve symptoms in early stages of guyon’s
canal
: A wrist splint with rigid metal piece can be used*
Surgical : A surgery can be done to relieve pressure .
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