Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release: surgical technique with prospective case series

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ecker ◽  
N. Perera ◽  
J. Ebert
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Endoscopic Techniques ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Prospective Case Series

Current techniques for endoscopic carpal tunnel release use an infraretinacular approach, inserting the endoscope deep to the flexor retinaculum. We present a supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release technique in which a dissecting endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum, which improves vision and the ability to dissect and manipulate the median nerve and tendons during surgery. The motor branch of the median nerve and connections between the median and ulnar nerve can be identified and dissected. Because the endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum, the median nerve is not compressed before division of the retinaculum and, as a result, we have observed no cases of the transient median nerve deficits that have been reported using infraretinacular endoscopic techniques. Level of evidence: IV.

scholarly journals Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A safe alternative method for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902199340
Author(s):  
Kotaro Sato ◽  
Kenya Murakami ◽  
Yoshikuni Mimata ◽  
Gaku Takahashi ◽  
Minoru Doita
Keyword(s):  
Learning Curve ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Safe Alternative ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Surgery ◽  
Conversion Rates

Purpose: Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release (SRECTR) is a technique in which an endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum through a subcutaneous tunnel. The benefits of this method include a clear view for the surgeon and absence of median nerve compression. Surgeons can operate with a familiar view of the flexor retinaculum and median nerve downward, similar to open surgery. This study aimed to investigate the learning curve for SRECTR, an alternate method for carpal tunnel release, and evaluate its complications and the functional outcomes using a disposable commercial kit. Methods: We examined the open conversion rates and complications associated with SRECTR in 200 consecutive patients performed by two surgeons. We compared the operative time operated by a single surgeon. We evaluated outcomes in 191 patients according to Kelly’s grading system. Patients’ mean follow-up period was 12.7 months. Results: Nine patients required conversion to open surgery. There were no injuries to the nerves and tendons and no hematoma or incomplete dissection of the flexor retinaculum. The operative times varied between 11 and 34 minutes. We obtained the following results based on Kelly’s grading of outcomes: excellent in 116, good in 59, fair in 13, and poor in 3 patients. Conclusions: We found no patients with neurapraxia, major nerve injury, flexor tendon injury, superficial palmar arch injury, and hematoma. Although there was a learning curve associated with SRECTR, we performed 200 consecutive cases without neurovascular complications. This method may be a safe alternative to minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery.

A New Technique for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Decompression

1995 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. TSAI ◽  
T. TSURUTA ◽  
S. A. SYED ◽  
H. KIMURA
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Glass Tube ◽  
New Technique ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Fresh Cadaver ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Portal Technique

A new one-portal technique for endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is introduced with its clinical results. The incision is made at the palmar aspect of file hand. A custom-made glass tube with a groove is inserted, and under endoscope observation, a meniscus knife is pushed forward along the groove to release the flexor retinaculum. This new technique has been studied in ten fresh cadaver hands and used in 123 patients' hands. Results of the cadaver study showed that the flexor retinaculum was released completely in all ten hands. No injuries to tendons, nerves, or arteries were noted. In one case the cotton tip was lost from the stick. All clinical releases were performed uneventfully except for three cases of neuropraxia of the digital nerve of the radial side of the ring finger, one laceration of the motor branch of the median nerve, one mild infection, one loss of cotton tip from the cotton swab stick, and one case of chipping of the glass tube. The case with the laceration of the motor branch of the median nerve occurred early in the series and required the conventional open incision to repair the nerve. The cases with loss of cotton from the stick and chipping of the tube also required a conventional incision to remove the cotton and glass chip. Advantages of this one-portal technique with the glass tube include less scar tenderness than with two-portal techniques, decreased risk of injury to the superficial palmar arch and ulnar nerve because of the distal approach, a view of pathology in the carpal tunnel through the glass tube, and confirmation of release of the flexor retinaculum.

Is Complete Release of all Volar Carpal Canal Structures Necessary for Complete Decompression in Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release?

2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 537-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. YOSHIDA ◽  
I. OKUTSU ◽  
I. HAMANAKA
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Active Power ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Hand Position ◽  
Pressure Measurements ◽  
Proximal Margin ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum

This study investigated the need to completely divide the flexor retinaculum to achieve full decompression of the median nerve in the carpal canal, using carpal canal pressure measurements at the mid-point and/or the proximal one-third of the flexor retinaculum to analyse the degree of decompression after release of successive lengths of the flexor retinaculum from the distal holdfast fibres to its proximal margin. Pressure measurements were taken at each operative step in the resting hand position and during active power gripping. The pressure measurements indicated that decompression of the carpal canal was achieved both at rest and on active gripping after complete division of the flexor retinaculum. However, pressure measurements indicated that complete decompression had not been achieved during active power gripping with the proximal one-third of the flexor retinaculum intact. These results demonstrate the need for complete release of the full length of the flexor retinaculum, including the distal holdfast fibres.

Anomalous Thenar Musculature Associated with Aberrant Median Nerve Motor Branch Take-off: An Anatomic and Clinical Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary M Lourie ◽  
R Glenn Gaston ◽  
Allan E Peljovich ◽  
Jason J Marshall ◽  
Lee Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Anatomic Study ◽  
Thenar Muscle ◽  
High Association ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Endoscopic Techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction Iatrogenic laceration of the median nerve motor branch during carpal tunnel release is a devastating complication that has been reported with both open and endoscopic techniques. The purpose of this study is to highlight a previously underreported relationship between an aberrant course of the median nerve motor branch and an anomalous thenar muscle that places the motor branch at high risk. Materials and methods This was a two part study. The first part was a retrospective review of over 500 cases of carpal tunnel release over a 7 year period. There were 530 carpal tunnel releases performed and 20/530 cases were found to have a characteristic anomalous thenar muscle associated with a consistent aberrant course of the motor branch of the median nerve. Part two was an anatomic study in which 42 cadaveric wrists were dissected to determine median nerve branching patterns, dimensions of the transverse carpal ligament, and thenar musculature dimensions. Results Twenty patients (3.8%) in the clinical arm were found to have anomalous musculature. In each case, the characteristics of the muscle were similar; the muscle was triangular in shape, was distal to the FPB, and had minimal fascial covering. In 100% of the cases the motor branch was found to be more anterior/central or ulnar in its take-off. In the anatomic study, two hands (5%) had aberrant musculature extending distal to the transverse carpal ligament (TCL). Both were associated with an anterior/central or ulnar median motor branch take-off with recurrent course. Larger thenar musculature dimensions and anomalous thenar muscle were associated with more anterior and ulnar motor branch take-off. Conclusion There appears to be a high association between anomalous thenar musculature and an aberrant course of the motor branch of the median nerve placing it a greater potential risk for iatrogenic injury. Lourie GM, Gaston RG, Peljovich AE, Marshall JJ, Patterson L. Anomalous Thenar Musculature Associated with Aberrant Median Nerve Motor Branch Take-off: An Anatomic and Clinical Study. The Duke Orthop J 2012;2(1):18-22.

scholarly journals Aberrant Positioning of the Ulnar Nerve Found During Carpal Tunnel Release: A Case Report

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Veltre ◽  
Kelvin Naito ◽  
Xinning Li ◽  
Andrew B. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Distal Forearm ◽  
Anatomic Variations ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Iatrogenic Injuries ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum

Introduction: Aberrant positioning of the ulnar nerve volar to the transverse carpal ligament is a rare anatomic variation.Case Presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old female with unique ulnar nerve anatomy that was discovered introperatively during carpal tunnel release.  The ulnar nerve was running directly adjacent to the median nerve in the distal forearm and as the median nerve traversed dorsal to the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) to enter the carpal tunnel the ulnar nerve continued directly volar to this structure before angling towards Guyon’s Canal.  The unique ulnar nerve anatomy was successfully identified, carefully dissected and managed with a successful patient outcome.Conclusion: Variations of the anatomy at the level of the carpal tunnel are rare but do exist.  Awareness of these anatomic variations and adequate visualization of the ulnar nerve along with the surrounding structures is crucial to avoid iatrogenic injuries during carpal tunnel release. 

ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE FOR RECURRENT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AFTER PREVIOUS OPEN RELEASE

Hand Surgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 235-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lam Chuan Teoh ◽  
Puay Ling Tan
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Open Release ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Endoscopic Release ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Surgical Release

Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome from various causes has been shown to occur in up to 19% of patients. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has been used to decompress the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome for many years. However, endoscopic release for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome after previous surgical release has not been reported. Nine hands in six patients had recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome five to 20 years after previous open carpal tunnel release. All the cases were successfully treated with endoscopic release.

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