Ultrasonographically checking the sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament during carpal tunnel surgery with limited uni skin incisions

Abstract

AIMS: The goal of this clinical study was to evaluate the capability of intraoperative ultrasonographical examination to demonstrate the sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament during open surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with limited uni skin incision (mini skin incision technique). METHODS and MATERIAL: Intraoperative ultrasonograpby was used in the detection of complete sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament, and sufficient release of median nerve. Thirty-two female cases were operated with the limited uni skin incision technique. Intraoperative ultrasonography showed the sectioned transverse carpal ligament in all cases. RESULTS: We adopted the sonographic examination to check the ligament during surgical intervention. The capability of ultrasonography is sufficient to demonstrate the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament especially when performing limited uni mini skin incision technique for carpal tunnel surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest the use of ultrasonogarphy for intraoperative checking of the sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament during the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with limited uni skin incision.