Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Novel minimally invasive carpal tunnel release using a specialized surgical kit: a prospective multi-center case
Hsuan-Fu Chen1,2, Shun-Min Chang1,3, Chih-Ming Kao1,2,4
1Department of Orthopedics, Division of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Trauma, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Tzyou 1 Road, Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan.
Background:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve compression neuropathy. While established surgical techniques have demonstrated reliable outcomes and safety profiles, innovations in minimally invasive approached continue to emerge. This study evaluates a novel minimally invasive surgical technique using a specialized instrument for carpal tunnel release.
Methods:
In this prospective multi-center case series, 41 patients underwent minimally invasive carpal tunnel release using a novel surgical kit. Outcomes were assessed through Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), grip and pinch strength measurements, and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing at regular intervals over 24 weeks post-surgery.
Results:
Mean surgical time was 7.02 min. Significant improvements were observed in VAS scores (LS-Mean - 0.57, P < 0.0001) and BCTQ scores (Symptom Severity: LS-Mean - 2.62, P < 0.0001; Functional Status: LS-Mean - 1.20, P < 0.0001) by 24 weeks. Grip and pinch strengths showed significant improvement from 2 weeks post-surgery. Mean time to return to work was 18.2 days. NCV testing demonstrated significant improvements in both latency (LS-Mean - 0.57, P < 0.0001) and velocity (LS-Mean 5.79, P < 0.0001). One superficial infection and two cases of temporary numbness were reported, with no recurrent CTS observed.
Conclusions:
This novel minimally invasive technique demonstrates promising clinical outcomes with shortened operative time, rapid symptom relief, and early functional recovery. While larger randomized studies are needed, these preliminary findings suggest this technique may be a valuable addition to current surgical options for CTS.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05067205. Prospectively registered, date of first registration: 05/10/2021 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05067205 ).
