Tunnel
of Guyon Compression
The tunnel
of guyon is a passageway in the wrist that the ulnar nerve passes
through to reach the pinky and ring finger. This is similar
in mechanism to carpal tunnel syndrome but it affects a different
nerve and thus a different part of the hand. This is a common
injury to bikers (where it is known as 'handlebars palsy') since
they often lean their weight forward on their handlebars and put
the force right on this tunnel.
The best
treatment for this problem is Active Release Technique. A.R.T.
is used to open up the tunnel of Guyon and remove any adhesions
between the ulnar nerve and the structures that it passes through.
Also, to ensure that the problem is not being complicated by a compression
of the ulnar nerve elsewhere outside the tunnel, the entire length
of the ulnar nerve all the way up the forearm to the shoulder must
be addressed. Entrapment of the ulnar nerve anywhere along
the length of it can lead to the sensation of a cubital tunnel syndrome.
The nerve passes through a lot of muscles and fascia on its descent
through the arm and it can become trapped between these structures.

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