A carpal tunnel tome for performing carpal tunnel release surgery includes a slender handle with a blade at one end. The blade is bounded on both sides by a pair of relatively blunt protuberances that extend distally beyond the cutting edge of the blade. The protuberances allow the instrument to straddle the ligament and serve to protect surrounding tissue during the cutting procedure of the ligament. The surgical procedure utilizing the tome requires only a single small incision in the palm of the patient's hand adjacent the distal end of the transverse carpal ligament. The instrument is then placed in the incision straddling the ligament and is then advanced proximately toward the patient's wrist until the transverse carpal ligament is completely divided. The instrument is then withdrawn and the incision is closed with one or two sutures and an appropriate dressing is applied.
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