title: Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is widely accepted as an effective surgical treatment method for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. While the short-term literature is well substantiated, the "long-term" literature has rarely exceeded 2 years of follow-up, which may be inadequate for a chronic and potentially recurring disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  An English language literature search for long-term outcomes research on carpal tunnel release was made. Long-term is defined as 2 years or more after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CTR is a highly effective procedure, but important aspects remain poorly understood, including recurrence and existing electromyographic data. Some study design issues exist with the current literature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further high-quality research is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Orthopedics A-Main, Boston, MA 02115 USA.
authors.forename: Dexter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Louie
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Earp
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Blazar
keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Endoscopic carpal tunnel release; Long-term outcomes; Open carpal tunnel release