Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Carpal tunnel biopsy
Biopsy - carpal tunnel
Carpal tunnel biopsy is a test in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (part of the wrist).
How the Test is Performed
The skin of your wrist is cleansed 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 .
Aspiration
Aspiration means to draw in or out using a sucking motion. It has two meanings:Breathing in a foreign object (sucking food into the airway). A medic...
Sometimes this procedure is done at the same time as carpal tunnel release .
Carpal tunnel release
Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain and weakness in the hand that is caused by pressure...
How to Prepare for the Test
Follow instructions for not eating or drinking 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 often done to see if you have a condition called amyloidosis . It is not usually done to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome . However, a person with amyloidosis can have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Amyloidosis
Primary amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid depo...
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling a...
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.
Normal Results
No abnormal tissues are found.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal result means that you have amyloidosis.
Risks
Risks of this procedure include:
- Bleeding
- Damage to the nerve in this area
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Calandruccio JH. Carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar tunnel syndrome, and stenosing tenosynovitis. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2013:chap 76.
Hawkins PN. Amyloidosis. In: Hochberg MC, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 168.
-
Carpal tunnel syndrome - illustration
Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming more frequently recognized and may be occurring more often. It may result from repetitive motion or the use of devices like computer keyboards. It affects the median nerve, the nerve that supplies feeling and movement to the thumb and "thumb-side" of the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
illustration
-
Surface anatomy - normal palm - illustration
This picture shows the normal appearance of an adult's palm and fingers.
Surface anatomy - normal palm
illustration
-
Surface anatomy - normal wrist - illustration
This picture shows a normal flexed hand. The tendons that move the fingers and are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are visible just below the wrist.
Surface anatomy - normal wrist
illustration
-
Carpal biopsy - illustration
Biopsy of the wrist and carpal structures.
Carpal biopsy
illustration
-
Carpal tunnel syndrome - illustration
Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming more frequently recognized and may be occurring more often. It may result from repetitive motion or the use of devices like computer keyboards. It affects the median nerve, the nerve that supplies feeling and movement to the thumb and "thumb-side" of the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
illustration
-
Surface anatomy - normal palm - illustration
This picture shows the normal appearance of an adult's palm and fingers.
Surface anatomy - normal palm
illustration
-
Surface anatomy - normal wrist - illustration
This picture shows a normal flexed hand. The tendons that move the fingers and are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are visible just below the wrist.
Surface anatomy - normal wrist
illustration
-
Carpal biopsy - illustration
Biopsy of the wrist and carpal structures.
Carpal biopsy
illustration
Review Date: 9/22/2016
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
