title: Endoscopically assisted release of the superficial radial nerve.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The feasibility of endoscopically assisted decompression of the superficial radial nerve at the midportion and distal forearm was assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  After a 3 cm longitudinal skin incision at the Tinel's sign at the forearm, the subcutaneous tissue is dissected until forearm fascia is detected. The fascia is opened cautiously under direct visualization and the superficial radial nerve is identified. Blunt forceps mobilize the subcutaneous tissue upon the fascia before the illuminated speculum is inserted. Then further dissection of the fascia is performed proximally using the Metzenbaum scissors. After further blunt tunneling by forceps the endoscope is introduced proximally in order to release the superficial radial nerve completely. Then the speculum is inserted distally to identify the nerve within the subcutaneous tissue. Then further visualization is facilitated using the endoscope.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The endoscopically assisted release of the superficial radial nerve may be feasible in a safe and sufficient way.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstraße 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Germany, christianspies27@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Christian K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Spies
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Unglaub
authors.forename: Lars P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hahn
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Löw
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oppermann
mesh_terms: D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000601:surgery; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D020425:Radial Neuropathy / Q000601:surgery