Question

carpal tunnel pressure is sometimes relieved by surgically excising part or all of which structure?
multiple choice
palmar aponeurosis
median nerve
extensor aponeurosis
flexor retinaculum
extensor retinaculum

Explanation:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum. Surgical release of the flexor retinaculum (carpal tunnel release) is a common treatment to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. The palmar aponeurosis is a different structure in the palm, the median nerve is the nerve being compressed (not excised), the extensor aponeurosis is related to extensor muscles (not the carpal tunnel), and the extensor retinaculum is on the dorsal side of the wrist (not involved in the carpal tunnel).

Answer:

Flexor retinaculum