Morphological analysis of Humeroulnar arcade and its practical implications: A cadaveric observational study

Abstract

: Cubital tunnel’s roof is made of a fibrous band of tissue called Osborne’s ligament which extends between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. This band is a potential cause of ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel.: A total of 30 embalmed cadaver was used and were classified using the O’ Driscoll classification. At different angles of the elbow flexion [20-140 degrees], the tautness of the ligament was noted and the variation of the length of the ligament concerning these angles was found by using the digital Vernier callipers. 20 cadavers had type 1b, 7 cadavers had type 0, 3 had type 1a and no cadaver had type 2 Osborne’s ligament. The percentage of ulnar nerve compression is more between 80 to 110 degrees of flexion maximum being 90 degrees.: The knowledge of this anatomy may help in treating ulnar nerve compression safely using anterior nerve transposition techniques and analysing the post-surgical MRI images of the cubital tunnel area.