Sensory disturbances after two-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a preliminary report

Very few complications following endoscopic carpal tunnel release have been reported. We studied the incidence and pattern of sensory disturbances in 53 consecutive cases in which the Chow two-portal technique was used. Persistent sensory disturbances for 4 months or more were noted in six hands. Sensory tests were normal or near normal in all except one case. The disturbance was described by the patients as an uncomfortable tingling sensation or hyperesthesia, and in all cases the ring finger, especially the radial half, was involved. We wish to direct attention to this potential complication and suggest possible mechanisms behind it.