Minimally invasive carpal tunnel decompression using the KnifeLight: How I Do It
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Shi Qing Lee1, Peter Y K Hwang2
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore. shiqing.lee@mohh.com.sg.
Background:
Carpal tunnel decompression is commonly performed open or endoscopically. Carpal tunnel release using the KnifeLight instrument (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) is an alternative method established in 2000.
Method:
The instrument has a cutting blade placed between two blunt flat tips with an integrated light source which helps to locate the tool blade by transillumination through the tissues. The instrument is inserted into an opening made in the wrist crease and transverse carpal ligament and used to divide the ligament.
Conclusion:
This is a simple, efficient, and reproducible alternative for carpal tunnel decompression.
