Avoiding iatrogenic nerve injury in endoscopic carpal tunnel release

• Published in: Neurosurgery clinics of North America Vol. 20; no. 1; p. 65
• Main Authors: Kretschmer, Thomas, Antoniadis, Gregor, Richter, Hans-Peter, König, Ralph W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - surgery; Endoscopy - adverse effects; Endoscopy - methods; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease - prevention & control; Median Nerve - anatomy & histology; Median Nerve - injuries; Median Nerve - surgery; Median Neuropathy - etiology; Median Neuropathy - pathology; Median Neuropathy - prevention & control; Neurosurgical Procedures - adverse effects; Neurosurgical Procedures - instrumentation; Neurosurgical Procedures - methods; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - prevention & control; Preoperative Care - methods; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Reoperation
• ISSN: 1558-1349
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2008.07.023

In the hands of the inexperienced, endoscopic carpal tunnel release bears a substantial risk for neurovascular injury. For those thoroughly trained in this technique, it is a fast and elegant but also more expensive way to achieve carpal tunnel release. If performed uneventfully, it minimizes trauma and avoids a substantial palmar skin incision. The authors think that some basic considerations are useful to prevent complications. This article focuses on some points that are relevant to the safe use of this technique.