Palmar uniportal extrabursal endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
A new technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release using a 1.5-cm longitudinal palmar incision was used in 280 cases. The incision allows identification of the superficial palmar arch as well as the median nerve and its branches. A new knife/sleeve device that attaches to a standard 4-mm endoscope was created to simplify the procedure. The flexor retinaculum is endoscopically divided proximally into the distal forearm; the "interthenar fascia" (fascia superficial to transverse carpal ligament) can be preserved. Early postoperative results include a mean overall return to work and full activity of 14 days. Postoperative pinch and grip strengths were near or at the preoperative level by 8 weeks after surgery. One third of patients required no postoperative analgesics with minimal scar, ulnar pillar, and radial pillar tenderness.
Mirza
M A
MA
Department of Microsurgery, St. John's Hospital, Smithtown, New York, USA.
King
E T
ET
Tanveer
S
S
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D020679:Arthroscopes; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology