title: [The efficacy and safety of limited incision technique in carpal tunnel release].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to determine the safety and symptomatic and functional efficacy of median nerve decompression with 3 cm limited incision in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Carpal tunnel release with a 3 cm limited palmar incision was performed on 91 hands in 83 patients. Patients were evaluated with Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, grip strength and pinch strength measurements, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test and two-point discrimination tests preoperatively, and at postoperative 3rd and 6th months. The pre- and postoperative mean values for these assessment criteria were statistically analyzed by paired samples t-test. The symptoms, physical findings, electroneuromyography carpal tunnel syndrome severity scores of the patients were evaluated using descriptive statistical analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At postoperative evaluation, there was a statistically significant increase in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, grip and pinch strengths, and sensory tests results of the patients when compared with preoperative values. No complications other than pillar pain were encountered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Carpal tunnel release with a 3 cm limited incision technique appears to be effective when compared with classical open, endoscopic and mini incision techniques. The rate of complications is lower than that of these techniques. In conclusion, a 3 cm limited incision is both effective and safe in carpal tunnel release.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medicine Faculty of Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey. drmeric@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Meriç
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cırpar
authors.forename: Mahmut
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arı
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Türker
authors.forename: M Fatih
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Ekşioğlu
authors.forename: Ozgür
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Cetik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D052581:Pinch Strength; D011184:Postoperative Period; D057234:Preoperative Period; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult