Minimally invasive ultrasound‐guided carpal tunnel release: A cadaver study. Issue 2 (11th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de la Fuente, Javier; Miguel‐Perez, Maria Isabel; Balius, Ramon; Guerrero, Valentin; Michaud, Johann; Bong, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical ultrasound. Volume 41:Issue 2(2013:Feb.)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2012-09-11
• Subjects: Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.21982
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-2751

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="abs1-1" sec-type="section"> <title>Background.</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-2" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods.</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-3" sec-type="section"> <title>Results.</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs1-4" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions.</title> <p>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. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013</p> </sec> </abstract>