Role of ancillary procedures in surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome: epineurotomy, internal neurolysis, tenosynovectomy, and tendon transfers

Abstract

The role of ancillary procedures in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is controversial, especially with regard to internal neurolysis and epineurotomy. At present, there are little to no data to support their routine use in the treatment of primary carpal tunnel syndrome. Similarly, the use of tenosynovectomy in carpal tunnel surgery should be limited to those patients with clear underlying rheumatologic or inflammatory risk factors, or with gross synovitis incidentally noted at surgery. The Camitz transfer is uniquely suited to treating the thenar wasting seen in advanced carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be performed concurrently with open carpal tunnel release with minimal additional dissection and morbidity.