Carpal tunnel release through a small incision using a special knife guide.

There have been controversial opinions regarding whether the release of the carpal tunnel should be performed arthroscopically or through an open incision. The authors present a method of open release through a small incision using a set of specially designed instruments, retaining advantages of observing the pathology under direct vision and avoiding complications of hazardous injuries to important structures. The instruments consist of a thin metal guide with a groove in the center to accommodate an angled knife holder. The procedure has been performed since 1997 with no complications.