title: Carpal tunnel release using the radial sided approach compared with the two-incision approach.
abstract: We compared carpal tunnel release using a radial sided approach (RCTR) with a two-incision approach with regards to complications, grip strength, and functional outcomes. Retrospective chart review was done and data was collected pre-operatively, and post-operatively at six weeks and three months. A total of 32 and 26 patients were included in the two-incision and RCTR groups respectively. At six weeks, the RCTR group showed an increased grip strength (+32.24%) while the two-incision group was weaker (-6.75%). Both groups showed an increased strength at three months, RCTR at 98.4% while the two-incision group was significantly lower at 38.6% increase. Both techniques provided improvement in outcome scores, with no statistical difference. RCTR was associated with a significantly earlier return of grip strength and had better grip strength at six weeks and three months post-operatively. Both techniques provided symptom relief and good functional outcome.
authors.affiliation: Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery, Louisville, Kentucky, USA , University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Calleja
authors.forename: Tsu-Min
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Carpal Tunnel Release; FCR Approach; Radial Sided Carpal Tunnel Release; Two-Incision