Endoscopic carpal tunnel release

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR) refers to a method of performing carpal tunnel surgery using an endoscope or an arthroscopic device.

Endoscopic techniques for carpal tunnel release involve one or two smaller incisions (less than half inch each) through which instrumentation is introduced including a synovial elevator, probes, knives, and an endoscope used to visualize the underside of the transverse carpal ligament. The endoscopic methods do not divide the subcutaneous tissues or the palmar fascia to the same degree as the open method does. Many studies have been done to determine whether perceived benefits of a limited endoscopic or arthroscopic release are significant.