[Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: long-term results].
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.
Balajti
Noémi
N
Sportsebészeti Osztály, Országos Sportegészségügyi Intézet, Budapest.
Sántha
Andrea
A
Perényi
József
J
Berkes
István
I
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