Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common compressive neuropathy.
• Symptoms include paresthesias in the median nerve distribution, often causing nocturnal disturbances.
• Surgical treatment involves dividing the transverse carpal ligament via open or endoscopic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on current carpal tunnel surgery techniques.
• To summarize the state of open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
• To compare the safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes of both surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies comparing open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery.
• Analysis of reported functional outcomes, recovery times, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of both surgical approaches.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic techniques offer superior early functional outcomes and quicker recovery.
• Concerns regarding nerve, vessel, and tendon injuries with endoscopic methods are not supported by literature.
• Both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery demonstrate similar complication rates.
• Patients report higher satisfaction with endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared to open surgery.

Conclusions:

• The debate between open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery persists.
• Despite fewer surgeons using endoscopic techniques, evidence supports comparable safety and efficacy for both methods.
• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is associated with improved patient satisfaction and faster recovery.