[Carpal tunnel syndrome. Cosmetic incision (author's transl)].

The median nerve compressed in the carpal tunnel can be released by an incision in the "line of life", a natural fold along the axis of the third metacarpal bone. By sectioning the carpal tunnel in the palm of the hand, on the cubital side of the median nerve, division of the external branch and of the sensory cutaneous rami of the nerve can be avoided. Hypertrophic scars are prevented. The part of the carpal tunnel situated in the forearm can be freed by a subcutaneous incision if needed, but compression at that level is much less frequent than in the palm of the hand.