Comparison between single portal endoscopic and 1-cm open carpal tunnel release

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Carpal tunnel release is a common surgical procedure.
• Controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical technique for carpal tunnel release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness and safety of single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release versus a short-incision open release.
• To test the hypothesis of no significant difference in outcomes between the two techniques.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study comparing consecutive patients undergoing either single-portal endoscopic release or short-incision open release.
• Preoperative and postoperative assessments included grip/pinch strength, visual analog scale for pain, and patient satisfaction questionnaires.
• Eighty-seven patients (35 endoscopic, 52 open) completed the study.

Main Results:

• Both techniques demonstrated effectiveness and safety with low complication rates.
• Grip and pinch strength decreased at 1 month post-surgery but significantly improved at 6 and 12 months for both groups (P < 0.05).
• Over 90% of patients in both groups reported "excellent or good" subjective outcomes.

Conclusions:

• No significant differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between single-portal endoscopic and short-incision open carpal tunnel release.
• Surgical technique selection may be based on factors beyond comparative effectiveness.