Longitudinal gliding of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel: anatomical study and evaluation of mobilization exercises

Purpose: Nerve gliding exercises are a promising new conservative therapeutical approach to carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises should improve the gliding of the median nerve, thus reduce mechanical stress on the nerve. Unfortunately they lack strong evidence for efficacy. The aim of this study is to evaluate median nerve gliding excursions during these gliding exercises in the carpal tunnel. Material & Methods: In 2 stages a total of 18 arm from 18 fresh, non-embalmed, whole-body cadavers with a mean age of 82.3 years were examined. Under ultrasound guidance pieces of steel wire were implanted at 3 sites (w…