Method and apparatus for performing endoscopic surgery.

摘要

An endoscopic surgical procedure and instruments are disclosed for the treatment of transverse carpal ligaments and similar anatomical structures. The procedure enables the release of the carpal ligament under endoscopic control and through only a single incision. A uniquely shaped grooved cannula (30) is provided to enable access to the carpal tunnel while also stabilizing instruments used in the procedure. The procedure involves the insertion of the cannula (30) into the carpal tunnel through a single incision. The cannula (30) has a longitudinal groove (40) which is positioned to face or abut the ligament and which axially receives an endoscope (50) through its proximal open end and obliquely receives a knife (54) which is then positioned to cut the ligament from the side where the scope (50) is placed. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>