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Reconstruction of the Flexor Retinaculum

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Related Median Neuropathies

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Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition treated by carpal tunnel release (CTR), which is the division of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL). Concerns have arisen regarding increased carpal canal volume and possibly decreased grip strength (due to flexor tendon bowstringing) after surgery, and several authors have described different techniques of reconstruction of the TCL over the years. This chapter examines the data supporting and against flexor retinaculum reconstruction after CTR and the surgical techniques of TCL reconstruction. It appears that the available evidence for reconstruction of the transverse ligament following carpal tunnel release is limited and that many of the theoretical problems may not translate clinically. Reconstruction of the TCL does not seem to adversely affect the improvement in paresthesia after surgery. Some studies do support a quicker recovery in the short-term postoperative period with TCL reconstruction, but its overall benefit to functional outcome in the long-term remains largely unproven.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah, 590 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA

    Anthony Montanez & Angela Wang

Authors
  1. Anthony Montanez
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  2. Angela Wang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angela Wang .

Editor information

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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Montanez, A., Wang, A. (2017). Reconstruction of the Flexor Retinaculum. 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_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57010-5_24

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57008-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57010-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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