Questions: Carpal tunnel pressure is sometimes relieved by surgically excising part or all of which structure? Palmar aponeurosis Flexor retinaculum Extensor aponeurosis Median nerve Extensor retinaculum

The answer is the second one: Flexor retinaculum.

Explanation for each option:

1. Palmar aponeurosis: This is a thickened layer of connective tissue in the palm of the hand. It is not typically involved in carpal tunnel syndrome or its surgical treatment.

2. Flexor retinaculum: This is the correct answer. The flexor retinaculum is a fibrous band on the palmar side of the hand that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. In carpal tunnel release surgery, part or all of the flexor retinaculum is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

3. Extensor aponeurosis: This structure is related to the extensor tendons on the back of the hand and is not involved in carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. Median nerve: This nerve passes through the carpal tunnel and is the structure that is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome. It is not excised during surgery; rather, the surgery aims to relieve pressure on it.

5. Extensor retinaculum: This is a band of tissue on the dorsal side of the wrist that holds the extensor tendons in place. It is not involved in carpal tunnel syndrome.

In summary, the flexor retinaculum is the structure that is surgically excised, in part or whole, to relieve carpal tunnel pressure.