The ligament is cut with care to protect the median nerve (shown here in yellow) which sits directly beneath it. Once the transverse carpal ligament is completely cut, your surgeon will be looking directly at the median nerve. Care is taken to ensure the ligament is completely cut and the nerve is free from compression.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Overview
By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com Guide
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
When surgery is required for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the surgeon creates more room for the median nerve. Once the surgeon has made an incision over the carpal tunnel, the tight transverse carpal ligament is identified.
Prev
- Pinching of the Median Nerve
- Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
- Initial Treatment with Night Splints
- Incision for Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Release of the Median Nerve for Carpal Tunnel
Explore Orthopedics
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs
Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.