Standard Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Abstract

Various techniques have been developed since Phalen introduced a surgical procedure for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in the 1950s (Phalen, J Bone Joint Surg Am 48(2):211–228, 1966). Traditional open carpal tunnel release was first to gain popularity and has been the standard procedure for the last 60-plus years. The exposure is similar to what we would consider a more modern extensile approach whereas more recent trends have been towards more limited incisions. The extensile technique may still be necessary for debulking of tenosynovitis, whereas less invasive techniques are used to reduce the morbidity of soft tissue trauma and associated pain. In this chapter, we will discuss traditional open carpal tunnel release, extensile approach involving flexor tenosynovectomy, and a mini-open technique using an Indiana-Tome (Biomet, Warsaw, IN).