title: Carpal tunnel release: a randomized comparison of three surgical methods.
abstract: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was done to compare the results of carpal tunnel release using classic incision, short incision, or endoscopic technique. In total, 90 consecutive cases were included. Follow-up was 24 weeks. We found a significantly shorter sick leave in the endoscopic group. No significant differences in pain, paraesthesiae, range of motion, pillar pain, and grip strength could be found at 24 weeks of follow-up, although intermediate significant differences were seen, especially in grip strength, in favour of endoscopic technique. No major advantage to using a short incision could be found. There were no serious complications in either group. The results indicate that the endoscopic procedure is safe and has the benefit of faster rehabilitation and return to work.
authors: Gentofte Hospital, Section of Hand Surgery, Hellerup, Denmark. mblarsen@dadlnet.dk
authors: M B
authors: MB
authors: Larsen
authors: A I
authors: AI
authors: Sørensen
authors: K L
authors: KL
authors: Crone
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Weis
authors: M E H
authors: ME
authors: Boeckstyns
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D062707:Return to Work; D018582:Sick Leave; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D064232:Visual Analog Scale; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Carpal tunnel release; endoscopic; open; randomized controlled trial