Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Inter-carpal soft tissue entrapment. A possible explanation for chronic dorsal wrist pain
S C A Terng1, K C Kuypers, A R Koch
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Haga Hospital, Leyenburg, Leyweg 275, 2545 CH The Hague, The Netherlands. a.terng@plchir.umcn.nl
Abstract:
This retrospective study evaluates the surgical treatment of a group of patients with unknown chronic dorsal wrist pain. The cause of their symptoms was interpreted as a painful entrapment of fibrous tissue in the radio-carpal and inter-carpal joints during specific movements. Between 1997 and 2001, 30 patients were treated by surgical excision of this tissue and 26 patients were traced for follow-up. Twenty-three patients were symptom free, or experienced major benefit from surgery. Wrist function measurements using the VAS scale showed improvement in 24 patients. Microscopic examination of the removed specimen shows fibrous tissue with non-specific changes. Inter-carpal soft tissue entrapment can explain the typical clinical findings in some patients with unknown chronic dorsal wrist pain. After careful selection, surgical excision of all entrapped tissue in the radio-carpal and mid-carpal joint may give relief of pain and improvement of wrist function.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
