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Open Techniques for Carpal Tunnel Release

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Related Median Neuropathies

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Abstract

Open carpal tunnel release surgery is the gold standard and most commonly performed procedure to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. A strong knowledge of the branches of the median nerve and adjacent anatomic structures within and around the tunnel is essential to ensure a safe and complete release. Elective carpal tunnel surgery can be performed under full sedation/general anesthesia, conscious sedation with local anesthesia, intravenous regional anesthesia, or “wide-awake anesthesia.” A mini-open or standard open approach can be made ensuring adequate visualization of the carpal tunnel and adjacent structures. Postoperatively, patients can be safely discharged on the same day of the procedure without antibiotics and can be placed in a soft dressing without a splint. Although open carpal tunnel release is a very successful procedure, complications do occur. The complications from open carpal tunnel surgery can be categorized as persistent, recurrent, or new symptoms (such as pillar pain). The timing, location, and characteristics of the symptoms can guide further evaluation and treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston University Medical Center/Boston Medical Center, 850 Harrison Ave, Dowling 2 North, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    David R. Veltre

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  1. David R. Veltre
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Correspondence to David R. Veltre .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Scott F. M. Duncan

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan

    Ryosuke Kakinoki

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Veltre, D.R. (2017). Open Techniques for Carpal Tunnel Release. In: Duncan, S., Kakinoki, R. (eds) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Related Median Neuropathies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57010-5_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57010-5_12

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