Double- versus single-incision technique for open carpal tunnel release.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition causing hand pain and numbness.
• Conventional open carpal tunnel release surgery often involves a single incision.
• Scar-related morbidities like pillar pain and hypersensitivity can impact patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the double incision technique with the conventional single incision technique for carpal tunnel decompression.
• To evaluate differences in pillar pain, scar sensitivity, and grip strength recovery between the two techniques.
• To determine the advantages of the limited open double incision technique in managing scar-related issues.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Forty patients (40 hands) underwent carpal tunnel decompression.
• Twenty-one hands received the standard single-incision technique, and 19 received the double-incision technique.
• Patients were followed for 6 months, assessing pillar pain, scar sensitivity, and grip strength.

Main Results:

• The double incision technique demonstrated significantly less pillar pain compared to the single incision technique.
• Scar sensitivity was also reduced in patients treated with the double incision method.
• No statistically significant difference in the recovery of grip strength was observed between the two surgical approaches.

Conclusions:

• The double incision technique offers advantages over the standard single incision technique in carpal tunnel decompression surgery.
• This limited open technique is beneficial for mitigating scar-related morbidities, including pillar pain and hypersensitivity.
• Further research may explore long-term outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction with the double incision technique.