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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Overview

By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com

Updated: August 18, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Release of the Median Nerve for Carpal Tunnel

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.

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.

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Orthopedics

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