Midpalmar approach to the carpal tunnel: an alternative to endoscopic release.

The midpalmar approach involves making a 2.5-cm incision in the palm, sparing the skin directly overlying the carpal tunnel. Through this incision, a small fiber-optically illuminated retractor is introduced, which allows direct inspection of the transverse carpal ligament and any anatomic variations of the median nerve. The transverse carpal ligament can then be safely and completely divided under direct visualization. This approach also allows inspection of the carpal tunnel for any space-occupying masses or neurolysis, if deemed necessary. By avoiding a skin incision directly over the carpal tunnel, the postoperative course is very gentle and very similar to that of an endoscopic release. Unlike the endoscopic release, this approach is versatile, easy to learn, allows complete visualization of the anatomy, and does not require expensive instrumentation.