Abstract
Aims: We studied the ulnar nerves of five cadaveric specimens at Guyon’s canal to determine the presence, incidence and position of Renaut bodies. These are fusiform structures composed of fibroblast-like cells found within the endoneurium. Although their aetiology and role is unconfirmed, they do show a predilection for sites of nerve entrapment. Methods: Following dissection of the ulnar nerve sections were stained with toluidine blue and immunostains to demonstrate either Schwann cells, basal laminae, or axons. Fascicular topography, the number of perineurial cell layers and the number and distribution of Renaut bodies were recorded for each section. Results: Two points arise from our demonstration of a consistent appearance of Renaut bodies at the deep distal hiatus of Guyon’s canal. First, markers of subclinical nerve compression are present. Second, our results show that this subclinical compression occurs not in Guyon’s canal itself, but at its deep exit, the deep distal hiatus. Conclusion: These findings have clinical implications for the relief of Guyon’s canal syndrome. Decompression of the space alone may not be adequate. It would seem reasonable to argue that to optimise conditions for nerve recovery, the deep distal hiatus should be released as routine in all Guyon’s canal decompression procedures.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
