Early Postoperative Recovery after Modified Ultra-Minimally Invasive Sonography-Guided Thread Carpal Tunnel Release.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition causing hand numbness and pain.
• Thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) is an established treatment option.
• Evaluating modifications to TCTR is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of a modified TCTR technique.
• To evaluate the postoperative recovery profile associated with modified TCTR.
• To compare outcomes of modified TCTR with existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 76 extremities in 67 patients undergoing modified TCTR.
• Pre- and postoperative assessment using clinical parameters.
• Patient-reported outcome measures including Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores.

Main Results:

• Mean return to daily activities: 5.5 days; mean analgesia duration: 3.7 days.
• Mean return to work: 32.6 days (blue-collar) and 4.6 days (white-collar).
• Low reoperation rate (3.9%) for persistent compression or recurrence, particularly after implementing a safety step.

Conclusions:

• Modified TCTR is a safe and reliable surgical option for carpal tunnel syndrome.
• The technique offers potential for faster recovery and reduced scarring compared to open release.
• TCTR requires specialized skills and has a learning curve, but modifications may minimize risks.