Release of the transverse carpal ligament alone is associated with elevated pressure beneath the distal volar forearm fascia in a cadaver model of carpal tunnel syndrome

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether release of the distal volar forearm fascia (DVFF) is necessary at the time of median nerve decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Five fresh-frozen cadaver specimens were mounted vertically with the hand dependent and a 2.27-kg weight suspended from the fingers. A pressure sensor wire was used to measure pressures starting just distal to the transverse carpal ligament (TCL). The wire was withdrawn proximally in 5-mm increments and into the forearm until pressure was below 10 mm Hg. An incision in the forearm was extended distally until the pressure sensor was found. The distance from this point to the distal volar wrist crease was measured. The TCL was released, keeping the DVFF intact, and the experiment was repeated. Paired t-tests determined whether there were statistically significant differences between measurements before and after TCL release. RESULTS: Average peak pressure under the intact TCL was 57.8 +/- 10.1 mm Hg. Average peak pressure under the DVFF with the TCL intact was 61.2 +/- 43.6 mm Hg. Following release of the TCL, average peak pressure beneath the TCL significantly decreased to 14.0 +/- 9.0 mm Hg, whereas average peak pressure at the intact DVFF increased to 64.8 +/- 48.7 mm Hg. Average locations where DVFF pressure became less than 10 mm Hg with an intact TCL and with released TCL were 4.30 +/- 1.8 cm and 4.00 +/- 1.8 cm proximal to the distal volar wrist crease, respectively. There was no significant difference between DVFF pressures before or after TCL release. CONCLUSIONS: In a cadaver model of carpal tunnel syndrome, release of the TCL alone is associated with persistent pressures >30 mm Hg in the region of the DVFF. Release of the TCL did not significantly change the location of the pressure drop-off under the DVFF.