Endoscopic carpal tunnel release

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Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) refers to a method of performing carpal tunnel surgery using an endoscope or an arthroscopic device to provide visualization of the anatomic structures.

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.^{[1][unreliable medical source?]} The endoscopic methods do not divide the subcutaneous tissues or the palmar fascia to the same degree as the open method does.^[2] Many studies have been done to determine whether the perceived benefits of a limited endoscopic or arthroscopic release are significant.

Many surgeons have embraced limited incision methods. It is considered to be the procedure of choice for many of these surgeons with respect to idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Supporting this are the results of some of the previously mentioned series that cite no difference in the rate of complications for either method of surgery. Thus, there has been broad support for either surgical procedure using a variety of devices or incisions.