Two incision mini open carpal tunnel release- a minimally invasive alternative to endoscopic release

Surgical techniques for carpal tunnel release are constantly evolving to reduce complications. This retrospective study was planned to identify the outcome and complications associated with a new operating technique for release of carpal tunnel using two incisions. It was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised patients undergoing surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) between January 2011 and December 2014. Of the 54 patients,38(70.4%) cases were of right-sided CTS. The mean operating time was 12.5±4.9 minutes. Complete relief from symptoms was observed in all the patients and the only complication noted was superficial infection in 2(3.7%) patients.The outcomes and complications associated with this technique were comparable with other standard techniques. No major complication (e.g. neurovascular injury) was reported, which showed that this technique was safe and had no additional risks. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative to endoscopic release which is expensive and requires special training and equipment.