title: [Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: long-term results].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on the literature data in the last ten years the endoscopic carpal tunnel release seems to be an advantageous alternative method in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Based on minimum 5 year follow-up the authors report the long-term results of endoscopic surgery introduced since 1993.
  
  
  METHODS
  On 46 hand of 42 patients endoscopic procedure was performed. Thirty-two patients returned to follow-up, they filled out questionnaire, underwent physical examination and 15 patients had electrophysiological test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight patients were without any complaints and symptoms, 3 patients had thenar atrophy. One patient was reoperated on because of residual symptoms. The authors make a comparison between their data and the great experienced Chow's results and they review the literature data of open procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  They conclude that the long-term results of the endoscopic surgery are similar to the outcome of the open procedures. The electrophysiologic tests have not always any relationship with the patient's complaints and symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Sportsebészeti Osztály, Országos Sportegészségügyi Intézet, Budapest.
authors.forename: Noémi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Balajti
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sántha
authors.forename: József
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perényi
authors.forename: István
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Berkes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome