Comparison of short wrist transverse open and limited open techniques for carpal tunnel release: a randomized controlled trial of two incisions.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare outcomes of limited open and short wrist transverse techniques in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. In a single centre randomized controlled trial, 84 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized before surgery to limited open or short wrist transverse open carpal tunnel release. The patients were evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years after surgery. At every follow-up, the Brigham and Women's Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, scar discomfort, and subjective patient satisfaction were evaluated. Two years after surgery, five patients were lost to follow-up. The groups had similar Brigham and Women's Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity and Functional Status scores and subjective satisfaction scores. The incidence of scar discomfort was not significantly different between the two groups on serial postoperative follow-up. Short wrist transverse open release surgery showed similar early postoperative symptoms and subjective and functional outcomes to limited open release.


METHODS
II.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Y J
YJ
Cho
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea ljhos69@naver.com.
J H
JH
Lee
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
D J
DJ
Shin
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
K H
KH
Park
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Carpal tunnel syndrome; limited open technique; open release; short wrist transverse technique