The retinaculum flexorum is a ligament composed of relatively strong connective tissue. It is located near the carpus of the hand, which is called the carpus with medical terminology. The retinaculum flexorum spans the flexor tendons in the region of the hand and leads to the inner surface of the hand. A counterpart of the retinaculum flexorum exists on the human foot, which is called the retinaculum musculorum flexorum pedis.
What is the retinaculum flexorum?
The retinaculum flexorum is referred to by some medical professionals as synonymous with the terms carpal ligament or ligamentum carpi transversum. In the English-speaking world, the name ‘transverse carpal ligament’ is common for the retinaculum flexorum. Basically, the retinaculum flexorum is a comparatively taut ligament that is stretched in the area of the palm. It runs transversely to the root bone of the hand. The name is derived from the Latin terms ‘retinaculum’ for ‘ligament’ and ‘flexor’ for ‘flexor’. From an anatomical perspective, the retinaculum flexorum does not represent a ligament that forms a separate entity. Instead, the retinaculum flexorum is a ligament that supports and reinforces the fascia of the hand. In addition to human medicine, the term ‘retinaculum flexorum’ is also used in veterinary medicine. It should be noted that the term is also used there for retaining ligaments in the area of flexor tendons. These ligaments may not be located in the area of the wrist. The retinaculum flexorum is located above the so-called carpal tunnel. The essential function of the retinaculum flexorum is primarily to keep the flexor muscle tendons close to the joint even when the hand is flexed or bent. For this purpose, the retinaculum flexorum is composed, among other things, of a certain number of compartments that serve the tendons of the muscles. In the center there is the so-called median nerve. On the back of the hand, the retinaculum extensorum forms the counterpart to the retinaculum flexorum. The retinaculum entensorum is closely related to the extensor muscles and is responsible for their control, among other things.
Anatomy and structure
In principle, the retinaculum flexorum is primarily a reinforcing ligament that supports the fascia of the forearm and hand. The retinaculum flexorum runs from the so-called eminentia carpi radialis to the eminentia carpi ulnaris. In the process, it also spans the sulcus carpi. In this way, the retinaculum flexorum gives rise to the typical carpal tunnel. From the retinaculum flexorum, various sheaths emerge. Together, these form a fan of tendons located in the area of the inner surface of the hands. The caput superficiale, which belongs to the flexor pollicis brevis muscle, arises from the retinaculum flexorum.
Function and tasks
The retinaculum flexorum is responsible for various tasks and functions in the hand and forearm. Primarily, it is a tightly stretched ligament that supports specific areas near the joint of the hand. The retinaculum flexorum consists mainly of relatively stable and firm connective tissue. The most important task of the retinaculum flexorum is to hold the flexor tendons in place near the joint of the hand. This is especially true when the hand or the joint of the hand is flexed. This is because it is of great importance that the tendons responsible for flexion continue to run close to the joint of the hand and do not move too far from their usual position. Basically, the retinaculum flexorum is located near the carpal tunnel. In order to perform its function optimally, the retinaculum flexorum consists of a kind of fan that supports the muscle tendons. In the middle section runs a special nerve, which by medical term is called median nerve. In addition, the retinaculum flexorum forms the counterpart of the retinaculum extensorum, which is located on the back of the hand. This plays an essential role, especially for the function of the extensor muscles in this area.
Diseases
A variety of conditions, injuries and diseases are possible in relation to the retinaculum flexorum. These usually lead to a restriction in the function of the retinaculum flexorum, so that affected individuals are usually limited in their ability to move their hand, wrist or forearm.In numerous cases, the so-called carpal tunnel syndrome develops in connection with the retinaculum flexorum. This condition is also referred to as median compression syndrome or Tinel’s syndrome by some physicians. The common abbreviation for carpal tunnel syndrome is KTS. Basically, this disease is a so-called nerve compression syndrome, which primarily affects the median nerve at the carpus. If a person suffers from a particularly severe carpal tunnel syndrome, surgical intervention is usually required. As part of this surgical intervention, the treating physicians usually cut the retinaculum flexorum. The primary purpose of this procedure is prevention, to avoid impairment or injury to the median nerve. In addition, bruising of the median nerve in the compartment of the tendon is also prevented.
