title: Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release: a cadaver study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition frequently requiring surgical intervention. We describe a new minimally invasive surgical technique for carpal tunnel release utilizing ultrasound (US) visualization.
  
  
  METHODS
  The technique was performed on 20 fresh frozen cadaver specimens. A surgical metallic probe with a "U"-shaped trough and upward curved distal tip was precisely positioned in the carpal tunnel with US guidance followed by division of the flexor retinaculum (FR) with a "V"-shaped scalpel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete division of the FR was confirmed by US. Dissection performed on the specimens confirmed complete release of FR and absence of neurovascular injury. The distance from the division of the FR to these structures, the "safety margins," was measured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new technique for carpal tunnel release appears to combine the safety and efficacy of open carpal tunnel surgery with the advantages of the minimally invasive techniques.
authors.affiliation: Clínica Pakea de Mutualia, San Sebastián, Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de la Fuente
authors.forename: Maria Isabel
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Miguel-Perez
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Balius
authors.forename: Valentin
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Guerrero
authors.forename: Johann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Michaud
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bong
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography