title: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome: a cadaver study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility of ultrasound-guided surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We first studied the ultrasound and anatomic findings in 30 cadaver wrists to determine the best surgical approach and the best plane for releasing the flexor retinaculum. We then used 104 cadaver wrists to assess the feasibility of our technique by performing the surgical procedure then extensively dissecting each wrist and hand. Our evaluation criteria were full release of the transverse carpal ligament and absence of injury to the vessels, nerves, and tendons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The transverse carpal ligament was fully released in all 104 forearms. Full release required a single pass in 61 forearms, two passes in 27 forearms, and three passes in 16 forearms. No injuries to adjacent structures were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our cadaver study supports the feasibility of percutaneous surgery under ultrasound-guidance for carpal tunnel syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Service de rhumatologie, CHU, hôpital Côte-de-Nacre, BP 95182, 14033 Caen cedex 9, France. dr.blecoq@orange.fr
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lecoq
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hanouz
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vielpeau
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marcelli
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery