title: The Chow technique of endoscopic release of the carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome: four years of clinical results.
abstract: This article represents a review of the clinical results of 650 consecutive cases of carpal tunnel decompression in 456 patients from the first 4 years of endoscopic carpal tunnel release: 38% returned to normal activities within 1 week, 59% within 2 weeks, 73% within 3 weeks, and 84% within 4 weeks. A total of 98% returned to their normal activities. Also included is an analysis of the workmen's compensation and pinch-and-grip studies. The results of these studies appear to indicate that endoscopic release of the carpal ligament accomplishes results similar to the standard procedure with a more rapid recovery.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Clinic, Mount Vernon, IL 62864.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Chow
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020679:Arthroscopes; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome