Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery
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Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery
In endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut, releasing the median nerve.
Endoscopic surgery uses a thin tube with a camera attached (endoscope). The endoscope is guided through a small incision in the wrist (single-portal technique) or at the wrist and palm (two-portal technique). The endoscope lets the doctor see structures in the wrist (such as the transverse carpal ligament) without opening the entire area with a large incision.
The cutting tools used in endoscopic surgery are very tiny and are also inserted through the small incisions in the wrist or wrist and palm. In the single-portal technique, one small tube contains both the camera and a cutting tool.
During endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This releases pressure on the median nerve, relieving carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Credits
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery |
| Last Updated | October 29, 2008 |
| Last updated: | October 29, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery |
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