Objectives The goal of our study was to analyze the
prevalence of variations, branching patterns, and histology
of the ulnar nerve (UN) in Guyon’s canal to address its
importance in hand surgery, particularly decompression of
the UN.
Methods Fifty fresh cadavers were dissected bilaterally,
and the nerve in the area of Guyon’s canal was visualized.
Samples for histology were also taken and prepared. The
collected data were then analyzed.
Results Morphometric measurements of the hands and
histological studies were not found to have significant
differences when compared by left or right side or by sex.
Three major branching patterns were found, with division
into deep and superficial UN being the most common
(85%). Additional findings included a majority (70%)
presenting with a cutaneous branch within the canal and/or
with an anastomosis of its distant branches with those of
the median nerve (57%).
Conclusion The UN is most commonly found to divide
into a superficial and deep ulnar branch within Guyon’s
canal. However, additional branches and anastomoses are
common and should be taken into careful consideration
when approached during surgery in the area, particularly
during decompression procedures of Guyon’s canal.