Carpal tunnel biopsy

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Carpal biopsy

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Surface anatomy - normal palm

Surface anatomy - normal wrist

Carpal tunnel biopsy is a test in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (part of the wrist).

Biopsy - carpal tunnel

The skin of your wrist is scrubbed and injected with medicine that numbs the area. Through a small cut, a sample of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel. This is done by direct removal of tissue or by needle aspiration.

Sometimes this procedure is performed at the time of carpal tunnel release.

Fasting may be advised for a few hours before the test.

For infants and children, the physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

You may feel some stinging or burning when the numbing medicine is injected. You may also feel some pressure or tugging during the procedure. Afterward, the area may be tender or sore for a few days.

This test may be performed when the diagnosis of amyloidosis is suspected in a patient with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Review Date: 11/02/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.