A comparison of two limited open techniques for carpal tunnel release

Review of the literature shows the effectiveness of limited open carpal tunnel release to be comparable to that of endoscopic carpal tunnel release in respect of recovery of grip strength, time of return to work and complication rate. A randomised, controlled study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a single versus a double limited open technique of carpal tunnel release. Sixty-five patients (73 hands) with a mean age of 48 years were operated on, 40 hands by the single incision and 33 by the double incision method. Grip and pinch strengths, digital sensibility (Filament and 2PD tests) and Levine scores were evaluated throughout 12 months of follow-up. We found that the single incision method offers better results in respect of grip and pinch strengths: less weakness at 1 month after surgery and a faster improvement relative to pre-operative values which is statistically significant. This, however, did not translate directly into Levine functional and symptom scores which, at each assessment, did not differ significantly between the two methods.