Flexor retinaculum division: does it contribute to the success of carpal tunnel release?

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuval Krieger ◽  
Avia Moses ◽  
Eldad Silberstein ◽  
Shimon Weitzman ◽  
Naftali Liberman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum

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.

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. 

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.

Complete Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in Long-Term Haemodialysis Patients

1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. OKUTSU ◽  
I. HAMANAKA ◽  
T. TANABE ◽  
Y. TAKATORI ◽  
S. NINOMIYA
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Proximal Portion ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Endoscopic Release ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Infusion Technique

The roof of the carpal tunnel (or canal) consists of the distal portion of the flexor retinaculum, the flexor retinaculum (or the transverse carpal ligament) and the proximal portion of the flexor retinaculum. We tried to determine which anatomical structures were relevant to complete endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression in long-term haemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured using the continuous infusion technique before and after endoscopic release of the flexor retinaculum, distal portion of the flexor retinaculum and the proximal portion of the flexor retinaculum respectively in 257 hands. We concluded that release of the distal portion of the flexor retinaculum, in addition to the flexor retinaculum, is essential for complete carpal tunnel decompression in long-term haemodialysis patients.

Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Short Palmar Incision and a New Knife

2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. AVCI ◽  
U. SAYLI
Keyword(s):  
Light Source ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Local Anaesthesia ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Major Complications ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
The Mean

A new knife with its own battery powered light source (Knifelight®, Stryker Instruments, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA) was used for carpal tunnel release in 31 wrists of 25 patients. Under local anaesthesia, a short palmar incision was used and the carpal tunnel contents were visualized during division of the flexor retinaculum. The mean operation time was 11 minutes and no major complications were seen. The patients could use their hands for self-care after 3 days and returned to work at a mean of 23 days. At a minimum follow-up of 6 months, all but one of the patients were satisfied with the final result. Mild scar tenderness was seen in two patients and pillar pain in one patient.

INVESTIGATION OF SEGMENTAL CARPAL TUNNEL PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME — IS IT NECESSARY TO RELEASE THE DISTAL APONEUROTIC PORTION OF THE FLEXOR RETINACULUM IN ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE SURGERY?

Hand Surgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (03) ◽  
pp. 205-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiichi Murata ◽  
Hiroshi Yajima ◽  
Naoki Maegawa ◽  
Koji Hattori ◽  
Yoshinori Takakura
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Guide Wire ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Segmental carpal tunnel pressure was measured in 12 hands of 11 idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome patients before and after two-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release. We aimed to determine at which part of the carpal tunnel the median nerve could be compressed, and to evaluate whether carpal tunnel pressure could be reduced sufficiently at all segments of the carpal tunnel after the surgery. Pressure measurements were performed using a pressure guide wire. The site with the highest pressure corresponded to the area around the hamate hook; the pressure in the area distal to the flexor retinaculum could be pathogenically high (more than 30 mmHg) before the surgery. The two-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release achieved sufficient pressure reduction in all segments of the carpal tunnel when the flexor retinaculum and the fibrous structure between the flexor retinaculum and the palmar aponeurosis were completely released.

Comparison of Proximal and Distal One Portal Entry Techniques for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

1994 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 618-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. TSURUTA ◽  
S. A. SYED ◽  
T. TSAI
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Glass Tube ◽  
Palmar Arch ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Reported complications of endoscopic carpal tunnel release have increased as more surgeons use this technique to release the flexor retinaculum. We used a cadaver model to compare the results of endoscopic carpal tunnel release through a one-portal distal (Group A, 15 specimens) and a one-portal proximal (Group B, 15 specimens) entry site with a new endoscopic technique. Our custom-made glass tube of three different sizes (5, 7, and 9 mm in diameter) is designed to house an endoscope and accommodate a meniscus knife for releasing the flexor retinaculum. Complete release of the flexor retinaculum was obtained in all limbs in both groups. In Group A the one complication (7%) was loss of the cotton tip from the cotton swab stick within the carpal tunnel. In Group B, there was a single case of injury to the superficial palmar arch in one hand and breakage of a glass tube in another hand, for a total complication rate of 13%. No other damage to anatomical structures was noted.

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.

Simultaneous modified Camitz opponensplasty using a pulley at the radial side of the flexor retinaculum in severe carpal tunnel syndrome

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 632-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Kato ◽  
T. Yoshizawa ◽  
H. Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Radial Side ◽  
Palmaris Longus ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Camitz opponensplasty using the palmaris longus has been used in patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release. It is considered to have several advantages over other opponensplasty techniques, but it provides weak flexion and pronation, which are prerequisites for opposition. To address this shortcoming, we have used a modified Camitz procedure with a pulley at the radial side of the dissected flexor retinaculum and have assessed the results in comparison with the conventional Camitz procedure. Both procedures provided significant improvements in palmar abduction and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Kapandji scores at 3 months post-operatively, but patients who underwent the modified Camitz procedure showed better improvement in pulp pinch, palmar abduction, and thumb pronation.

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.

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