Morphologic changes following endoscopic and two-portal subcutaneous carpal tunnel release.
This study describes the morphologic changes that occur following single incision endoscopic and two-portal subcutaneous carpal tunnel release. Seventeen patients were studied preoperatively and an average of 24 weeks postoperatively. Canal volume, carpal arch width, and median nerve palmar displacement and cross-sectional area were measured by use of multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional reconstruction of magnetic resonance images. Both methods produced a marked increase in canal volume and median nerve cross-sectional area; neither resulted in a significant change in carpal arch width. These data provide a morphologic basis for the belief that endoscopic or subcutaneous carpal tunnel release will produce clinical relief equivalent to open carpal tunnel release.
Ablove
R H
RH
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, State University of New York.
Peimer
C A
CA
Diao
E
E
Oliverio
R
R
Kuhn
J P
JP
D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods