Carpal tunnel biopsy

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 . Sometimes this procedure is done at the same time as carpal tunnel release .

Follow instructions for not eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the test.

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 is often done to see if you have a condition called amyloidosis . It is not usually done to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome . However, a person with amyloidosis can have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in…

No abnormal tissues are found.

An abnormal result means that you have amyloidosis. Other medical treatment will be needed for this condition.

Risks of this procedure include: Bleeding Damage to the nerve in this area Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Hawkins PN. Amyloidosis. In: Hochberg MC, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 177. Weller WJ, Calandruccio JH, Jobe MT. Compressive neuropathies of the hand, forearm, and elbow. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics .…