1
2
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Surface anatomy - normal palm
Surface anatomy - normal palm
Surface anatomy - normal wrist
Surface anatomy - normal wrist
Carpal biopsy
Carpal biopsy

Carpal tunnel biopsy
Definition:
This is a diagnostic procedure in which a small portion of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (part of the wrist).

Alternative Names:
Biopsy - carpal tunnel

How the test is performed:

The skin of your wrist is scrubbed and injected with a local anesthetic. Through a small incision, a sample of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (by direct removal of tissue or needle aspiration).

Sometimes this procedure is performed at the time of carpal tunnel release.
How to prepare for the test:
Fasting may be advised for a few hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:

There may be some stinging or burning when the local anesthetic is injected. Some pressure or tugging may be felt during the procedure. Afterward, the area may be tender or sore for a few days.
Why the test is performed:

This test may be performed when the diagnosis of amyloidosis is suspected in a patient with symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Normal Values:
No abnormal tissues are found.
What abnormal results mean:
Amyloidosis involving the carpal tunnel.
What the risks are:
  • infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • bleeding
  • damage to the nerve in this area
Review Date: 5/1/2002
Reviewed By: Benjamin D. Roye, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Orthopaedics, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com