title: Does endoscopic carpal tunnel release have a higher rate of complications than open carpal tunnel release? An analysis of published series.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reported rate of complications after endoscopic carpal tunnel release by means of an analysis of 54 publications, reporting a total of 9516 endoscopic and 1203 open releases. Endoscopic release was comparable to open release in the rate of irreversible nerve damage (0.3% and 0.2% respectively) but case reports may indicate a small risk of unacceptable complications with endoscopy, such as transection of the median nerve. Reversible nerve problems were more common after endoscopic release. Tendon lesions were extremely rare (0.03%) and the rate of other complications (reflex sympathetic dystrophy, haematoma, wound problems, etc.) was about the same with endoscopic as with open release.
authors: Section of Hand Surgery, Gentofte Hospital/University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Boeckstyns
authors: A I
authors: AI
authors: Sørensen
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D011183:Postoperative Complications