Open Carpal Tunnel Release Using a 1-Centimeter Incision: Technique and Outcomes for 104 Patients
- 1 April 2003
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Vol. 111 (5), 1616-1622
- https://doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000057970.87632.7e
Abstract
The advantages of endoscopic carpal tunnel release, compared with traditional open techniques, include smaller incisions, less scar tenderness, and faster recoveries. However, endoscopic carpal tunnel release has also been associated with higher complication rates. The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and functional outcomes of minimal-incision open carpal tunnel release. In this prospective study involving a 2-year period, 104 patients (149 hands) underwent open carpal tunnel release with a 1-cm incision. Prospective data on complications among 104 patients were recorded, and functional outcomes among 20 patients were assessed by using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and pinch/grip strength testing. Data were collected before the operation and 3 weeks and 6 months after the operation. Complications included three wound infections and one carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence, 18 months after the initial release procedure. Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scores improved significantly between the preoperative and postoperative periods. There were no significant changes in Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test results or pinch/grip strength. Minimal-incision open carpal tunnel release can be performed safely and is associated with good functional outcomes.This publication has 27 references indexed in Scilit:
- Mini open carpal tunnel releaseJournal of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2001
- Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Short Palmar Incision and a New KnifeJournal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 2000
- Endoscopic versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Cost-Effectiveness AnalysisPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1998
- Safe Carpal Tunnel Release via a Limited Palmar IncisionPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1998
- Carpal Tunnel Release Through a Limited Skin Incision under Direct Visualization Using a New Instrument, the CarposcopePlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1996
- Prospective Comparison of Minimal Incision “Open” and Two-Portal Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel ReleasePlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1995
- Endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel: A randomized prospective multicenter studyThe Journal of Hand Surgery, 1992
- Endoscopic release of the carpal ligament: A new technique for carpal tunnel syndromeArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 1989
- Endoscopic management of carpal tunnel syndromeArthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 1989
- The Carpal-Tunnel SyndromeJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1966