Endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Use of the modified Chow technique in 215 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To present my experience using the modified Chow two-portal technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release.


METHODS
Two hundred and fifteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome of more than three months' duration, unresponsive to conservative treatment. Only those few with the specific contraindications of recurrence, a florid flexor tenosynovitis or an acute crush injury were excluded.


METHODS
The operation used the modified Chow two-portal endoscopic method of carpal tunnel release. The original Chow method was used in another 15 patients.


METHODS
Symptomatic relief of pain and paraesthesia.


RESULTS
Most patients made a rapid and dramatic recovery, with an early return to work, when compared with both my and patients' previous experience of open carpal tunnel release. Complications were few--two cases of mild reflex sympathetic dystrophy, two of unrelieved symptoms, and no permanent nerve or tendon injury.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified Chow two-portal technique of endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel is effective, with a rapid recovery and few complications--provided that it is done by a surgeon experienced in this method.
Slattery
P G
PG
Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome