Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel

Jeffrey Wint

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release uses an endoscope, an instrument attached to a video monitor to visualize the undersurface of the transverse carpal ligament. This avoids the need to make an incision in the palm. Instead the surgeon makes the incision in the wrist crease near the base of the palm. The endoscopic carpal tunnel view gives the surgeon performing carpal tunnel release a detailed magnified high resolution view. Here, to the right, a simple gauze bandage as viewed through the endoscope. The surgeon has control over variables to allow a full release under direct visualization.
The surgeon essentially releases the ligament from the inside out, avoiding damaging the tough tissues called fascia in the palm that give the palm its shape and contour. In addition the palm skin incision is avoided. For many this reduces the immediate problem of using the hand more fully in the early post operative period. It does not mean that there will be absolutely no discomfort but many feel it is less.



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