Carpal tunnel release surgery


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Carpal tunnel release surgery


Illustration of Carpal tunnel release surgery

Illustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Carpal tunnel release surgery is used to reduce the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This is done by cutting the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel. Cutting this ligament relieves pressure on the median nerve. Any other tissue (such as a tumor) that may be putting pressure on the median nerve can also be removed during surgery.

Credits


Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD

- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Pichora, MD, FRCSC

- Orthopedic Surgery
Last Updated November 3, 2006

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