Surgical Anatomy of the Supraretinacular Fat Pad: Sensory Innervation and Preservation in Open Carpal Tunnel Release

The SRF, which is exposed during OCTR, is richly innervated by sensory fibers from the ulnar nerve. It is the radialmost extension of the hypothenar fat pad. In view of its rich innervation, damage to the SRF during OCTR might generate postoperative pain. Preserving its integrity during OCTR is technically possible and even simplifies the procedure. Clinical trials are needed to corroborate whether preservation of the SRF during OCTR indeed makes a clinical difference in postoperative pain generation.