COMPLETE ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL-TUNNEL RELEASE IN LONG-TERM HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS

The roof of the carpel tunnel (or canal) consists of the distal portio n 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 com plete endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression in long-term haemodialysi s patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was mea sured using the continuous infusion technique before and after endosco pic release of the flexor retinaculum, distal portion of the flexor re tinaculum and the proximal portion of the flexor retinaculum respectiv ely in 257 hands. We concluded that release of the distal portion of t he flexor retinaculum, in addition to the flexor retinaculum, is essen tial for complete carpel tunnel decompression in long-term haemodialys is patients.