title: The palmar approach for the visualization and release of the carpal tunnel. An analysis of 429 cases.
abstract: A review of 429 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome in 329 patients confirms the prevalence of this entity among disorders of the hand. Three symptoms are almost diagnostic--daytime numbness, nighttime pain, and morning stiffness of the fingers. The diagnosis is confirmed by findings on physical examination. A relatively simple technique is presented for the exposure and release of the median nerve, using a longitudinal incision in the palm and stopping short of the wrist skin. Limiting the incision to the palmar skin results in an inconspicuous scar, while still providing adequate exposure for a complete anatomical release. An epineural neurolysis of the median nerve was performed in each case, resulting in improvement in the symptoms in all but 4 of these 429 patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications