Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Abstract

Open release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) has been the gold standard surgical treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome over the past 50 years. Transecting the TCL with a scalpel under direct vision produces reliable symptom relief in the vast majority of cases. However, despite the clinical success of this technique, transient post-operative “pillar pain,” scar tenderness, or weakness are known to occur in some patients.