Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: big deal or much ado about nothing?

Endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament is an increasingly popular method of treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Advocates of endoscopic carpal tunnel release claim decreased postoperative morbidity and earlier return to work as an advantage of this technique. Others caution that there is little if any short-term difference between endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release, no long-term difference, and an increased likelihood of significant nerve injury.