Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
Carpal tunnel biopsy is a test in which a small piece 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 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
Sometimes this procedure is performed at the time of
How to prepare for the test
Your doctor may ask that you not eat anything for a few hours before the test.
How the test will feel
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.
Why the test is performed
This test is usually done to rule out a condition called
Images
Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports
Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic
Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
