title: Outcomes of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Currently, there are two genres of surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, open versus endoscopic. The goal of our study is to analyze published data by comparing outcomes of surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and determine if one approach is superior to the other (open versus endoscopic).
  
  
  METHODS
  A meta-analysis of retrospective series of Carpal tunnel release including >20 patients, with results measuring outcomes based on at least six of the following nine parameters (paresthesia relief, scar tenderness, two-point discrimination, thenar muscle weakness, Semmes-Weinstein/SW monofilament testing, return to work time, grip and pinch strength, and complications).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Endoscopic carpal tunnel approach showed statistically superior outcomes in eight of the nine categories investigated. Only in the category of complications (mean occurrence of 1.2 % in the open release versus 2.2 % in the endoscopic release group) was the endoscopic group inferior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This suggests that the endoscopic release is superior to the open release, particularly in experienced hands.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alabama Birmingham, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-1150 USA.
authors.forename: Som
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kohanzadeh
authors.forename: Fernando A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dobke
keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Endoscopic carpal tunnel release; Outcomes