Superficial plane endoscopy for carpal tunnel release.

In this publication we describe three techniques for endoscopic carpal tunnel release which use the palmar portal approach and the superficial plane to enable a view from above the transverse carpal ligament. These techniques prevent any iatrogenic compression of the median nerve inside the already narrow tunnel. Although the necessary instruments are inexpensive and recommended in instrumentation catalogues, their use has rarely been reported. These techniques are safe and easy to learn for surgeons familiar with arthroscopy. We believe that they constitute an important alternative to the already well-established methods of interior tunnel access, and believe that their use should become more widespread.