The effect of release of the transverse carpal ligament on the mechanics
of the flexor tendons was investigated with use of a fresh-frozen cadaver
model. A 25 per cent increase in the amount of excursion of the tendons
that was consumed by motion of the wrist was demonstrated for the digitorum
profundus tendons after transection of the transverse carpal ligament, and
a 20 per cent increase was noted for the digitorum superficialis tendons (p
< 0.001). These values represent 5.4 +/- 1.2 and 5.5 +/- 1.3 millimeters
of bow-stringing for each group of tendons.