Surgical Procedures

Guyon’s Canal Release and Carpal Tunnel Release

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The ulnar nerve is decompressed in the wrist through Guyon’s canal and in the hand, specifically the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve. This deep motor branch is released by dividing the tendious arch of the hypothenar muscles. In addition, a carpal tunnel release is performed by transecting the transverse carpal ligament.

Standard 101025

Extended 101025

POSITION

Supine.

INCISION

An incision is made ulnar to the thenar crease between the palmar sensory territories of the median and ulnar nerve. In addition, this approach allows for the division of the transverse carpal ligament well away from the median nerve. To incorporate Guyon’s canal release, the incision is carried proximal over the wrist crease in a Brunner’s fashion.

REFERENCES

  1. Colbert SH, Mackinnon SE. Nerve compressions in the upper extremity. Mo Med. 2008 Nov-Dec;105(6):527-35. Review. PMID: 19052017.
  2. Cheng CJ, Mackinnon-Patterson B, Beck JL, Mackinnon SE. Scratch collapse test for evaluation of carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am. 2008 Nov;33(9):1518-24. PMID: 18984333.
  3. Ellis RA, Novak CB, Mackinnon SE, Cheng CJ. Workers’ compensation, return to work, and patient satisfaction after carpal tunnel decompression. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2007 Apr;36(4):E63-6. PMID: 17703269.
  4. Wiesman IM, Novak CB, Mackinnon SE, Winograd JM. Sensitivity and specificity of clinical testing for carpal tunnel syndrome. Can J Plast Surg. 2003 Summer;11(2):70-2. PMID: 24222987.
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  8. Mackinnon SE, Novak CB, Landau WM. Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. JAMA. 2000 Oct 18;284(15):1924-5; author reply 1925-6. PMID: 11035883.
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  11. Watchmaker GP, Weber D, Mackinnon SE. Avoidance of transection of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve in carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Am. 1996 Jul;21(4):644-50. PMID: 8842959.
  12. Deune EG, Mackinnon SE. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release. The voice of polite dissent. Clin Plast Surg. 1996 Jul;23(3):487-505. Review. PMID: 8826685.
  13. Williams TM, Mackinnon SE, Novak CB, McCabe S, Kelly L. Verification of the pressure provocative test in carpal tunnel syndrome. Ann Plast Surg. 1992 Jul;29(1):8-11. PMID: 1497301.
  14. Cartotto RC, McCabe S, Mackinnon SE. Two devastating complications of carpal tunnel surgery. Ann Plast Surg. 1992 May;28(5):472-4. PMID: 1622022.
  15. Novak CB, Mackinnon SE, Brownlee R, Kelly L. Provocative sensory testing in carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Br. 1992 Apr;17(2):204-8. PMID: 1588205.
  16. Mackinnon SE, McCabe S, Murray JF, Szalai JP, Kelly L, Novak C, Kin B, Burke GM. Internal neurolysis fails to improve the results of primary carpal tunnel decompression. J Hand Surg Am. 1991 Mar;16(2):211-8. PMID: 2022828.
  17. Mackinnon SE. Secondary carpal tunnel surgery. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 1991 Jan;2(1):75-91. Review. PMID: 1821736.
  18. Mackinnon SE, Dellon AL. Anatomic investigations of nerves at the wrist: I. Orientation of the motor fascicle of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Ann Plast Surg. 1988 Jul;21(1):32-5. PMID: 3048183.
  19. Dellon, AL, Mackinnon SE. Anatomic investigations of the nerves at the wrist: II. Incidence of fibrous arch overlying motor branch of ulnar nerve. Ann Plast Surg. 1988 

Disclosure: No authors have a financial interest in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this production or publication.

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