Intraoperative transverse carpal muscle during endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a case report.

We encountered the aberrant muscle called transverse carpal muscle (TCM) anterior to the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) for a 56-year-old female with left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Our ECTR technique started with making the distal portal and the anomalous muscle emerged in the portal. We changed ECTR to open carpal tunnel release to clarify the anatomy around TCL to avoid iatrogenic tendon and neurovascular injuries. The TCM does not necessarily exist bilaterally, and our case has also it unilaterally, because the TCM was not observed during the ECTR on the opposite side. Distal incision first ECTR technique enabled us to find the TCM which we could not encounter if conventional ECTR was performed.

Impact of Exposure to Hand-Held Vibrating Tools on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures after Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Matched Controls.

Objectives: Vibration exposure is a known risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and insufficient outcomes for surgery for CTS have been reported after such exposure. We aim to investigate whether vibration exposure affects patient-reported outcomes following open carpal tunnel release. Methods: From a population surgically treated for CTS (n = 962), we identified patients who reported previous or present vibration exposure, had undergone preoperative electrophysiology testing and answered the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire before and at 12 months post-surgery (n = 23). We then matched the patients with controls based on age, sex, diabetes status, type of diabetes and smoking (n = 23). Results: Most of the patients included were men (17/23; 74% in each group) and had a mean age of 61 years. The preoperative electrophysiology results were slightly worse among vibration-exposed individuals, although the differences were not statistically significant. The QuickDASH scores did not differ between the two groups (preoperative QuickDASH scores in vibration-exposed individuals: median 45 [interquartile range; IQR 30-61]; non-exposed individuals: 43 [25-64], p = 0.68; postoperative 12 months QuickDASH score in vibration-exposed individuals: 20 [2-45]; non-exposed individuals: 14 [5-34], p = 0.87). Conclusions: When controlling for known confounders, vibration-exposed individuals can expect the same symptom relief following open carpal tunnel release as non-exposed individuals. Individual assessments and treatment of CTS are warranted if there is a history of vibration exposure.

Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes discomfort due to the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a surgical procedure that can help alleviate the symptoms of CTS. Two methods are commonly used for CTR: endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). The choice of method can impact surgical outcomes and potential complications. This review aims to compare the outcomes of both methods for individuals diagnosed with CTS. This systematic review analyzes the outcomes and potential complications of ECTR and OCTR for CTS. The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses comparing both methods. We searched for studies released between January 2012 and October 2023 on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The researchers assessed the quality of studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) tool. The study's scope included a range of outcomes and complications, such as symptom relief, functional recovery, grip strength, return to work, patient satisfaction, scar sensitivity, pillar pain, wound complications, nerve-related issues, morphological changes, and recurrence. The review analyzed 11 studies, including seven RCTs and four meta-analyses. These studies evaluated 4367 ECTR and 4107 cases of OCTR. The patients' ages ranged from 46 to 58, and the follow-up periods ranged from three to 24 months. The findings reveal that ECTR has comparable or better outcomes than OCTR, particularly in postoperative discomfort, functional recovery, grip strength, resumption of work, and patient satisfaction. Additionally, ECTR has lower levels of scar sensitivity, pillar pain, and wound-related complications than OCTR. However, ECTR carries a higher risk of reversible nerve injury. There were no substantial differences between the two techniques regarding other potential complications. Both ECTR and OCTR are safe and effective interventions for CTS. ECTR has benefits like faster recovery and improved cosmetic outcomes but requires higher technical proficiency and carries the risk of nerve injury. The choice of technique should consider patient preference, cost-effectiveness, and surgeon expertise.

Comparing endoscopic and conventional surgery techniques for carpal tunnel syndrome: A retrospective study.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) versus open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), focusing on symptom relief, functional recovery and post-operative complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients diagnosed with CTS, randomly assigned to undergo either ECTR (n=23) or OCTR (n=21). Parameters evaluated included post-operative pain, grip strength, functional status using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and time to return to work. Results: Patients who underwent ECTR demonstrated superior functional recovery and quicker return to daily and work activities compared to those in the OCTR group. Grip strength improvement post-surgery showed no significant difference between the groups. However, ECTR patients reported significantly lower DASH scores and faster return to work, indicating better outcomes. There were fewer reports of post-operative complications and scar sensitivity in the ECTR group. Conclusion: ECTR provides an effective alternative to OCTR for CTS treatment, with advantages in functional recovery speed, reduced post-operative discomfort and faster return to work. These findings support the adoption of ECTR as a preferred surgical approach for CTS, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes with minimal complications.

A Comparison of Tenosynovial and Transverse Carpal Ligament Biopsy for Amyloid Detection in Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition in tenosynovium (TS) versus transverse carpal ligament (TCL) biopsies obtained during open carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that the incidence of amyloid would be similar between TCL and TS when obtaining both specimens from the same patient. METHODS: All primary, elective open carpal tunnel release cases that underwent biopsy for amyloid between January 2022 and September 2023 were reviewed. Tenosynovial and TCL specimens were independently evaluated by a pathologist to assess for amyloid. Demographic data were collected, and incidence of amyloid deposition was compared between the two samples. Agreement statistics, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for TCL, using TS as the reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 196 cases met either Tier 1 (n=180) or Tier 2 (n=16) biopsy criteria. Forty-eight cases were excluded for missed biopsies or laboratory processing errors, leaving 148 cases available for analysis. Amyloid deposition was present in 31 out of 148 (21%) TS specimens and 33 out of 148 (22%) TCL specimens. Overall, the results of the TS biopsy agreed with TCL biopsy in 138 out of 148 cases (93%). In the 10 cases for which the results of the TCL and TS biopsy differed, six cases had (+) TCL and (-) TS, and four cases had amyloid deposition in TS without evidence of deposition in the TCL. Sensitivity and specificity values for the TCL specimen were 87% and 95%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 82% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For cases of open carpal tunnel release undergoing biopsy, amyloid deposition was noted in 21% of TS specimens and 22% of TCL specimens. Results of TS and TCL biopsies obtained from the same patient agreed in 93% of cases. Single-source biopsy for amyloid represents a reasonable diagnostic approach. Future cost analyses should be performed to determine whether the addition of two biopsy sources to improve diagnostic accuracy is justified. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

A Comparison of Amyloid Deposition in Endoscopic and Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

PURPOSE: Previous investigations assessing the incidence of amyloidosis detected with biopsy during carpal tunnel release (CTR) have focused on open CTR (OCTR). Prior authors have suggested that biopsy may be more technically challenging during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during ECTR versus OCTR. METHODS: We reviewed all primary ECTR and OCTR during which a biopsy for amyloid was obtained between February 2022 and June 2023. All procedures were performed by five upper-extremity surgeons from a single institution. Congo red staining was used to determine the presence of amyloid deposition in either the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) or tenosynovium. All positive cases underwent subtype analysis and protein identification through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline demographics were recorded for each case, and the incidence of positive biopsy was compared between ECTR and OCTR cases. RESULTS: A total of 282 cases were included for analysis (143 ECTR and 139 OCTR). The mean age was 67 years, and 45% of cases were women. Baseline demographics were similar except for a significantly higher incidence of diabetes in OCTR cases (13% vs 33%). Overall, 13% of CTR cases had a positive biopsy. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during biopsy in ECTR cases (3.5%) compared with OCTR cases (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy performed during ECTR may result in a lower incidence of amyloid detection. Future basic science investigation may be necessary to determine histologic differences between tenosynovium proximal and distal to the leading edge of the TCL. When surgeons plan a biopsy during surgical release of the carpal tunnel, an open approach may be advantageous. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Open Carpal Tunnel Release Recovery.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between body mass index (BMI), specifically obesity, and surgical outcomes for open carpal tunnel release. Obesity is correlated with increased incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome; however, the effect of obesity on after release recovery has not been examined. Methods: This study used a retrospective review of patient charts (n = 142). BMI was calculated based on height and weight measurements, and patients were grouped based on their BMI into the following categories: healthy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity class one (30-34.9 kg/m2) (OB1), obesity class (2 35-39.9 kg/m2) (OB2), or obesity class three (40+ kg/m2) (OB3). Data were then complied on surgical outcomes by assessing preoperative pain, postoperative pain at 2 and 6 weeks, postoperative joint stiffness, wound healing time, and infection status. Data were analyzed using chi-square analyses and multivariable logistic regression to assess the differences in treatment outcomes while controlling for possible confounding variables. Results: Age at the time of release was found to be inversely correlated with BMI. Healthy BMI patients (n = 19) underwent release at an average age of 59.1 years, whereas OB3 (n = 30) underwent release at an average age of 46.9 years. The odds of improvement in pain were significantly lower in all three obesity groups when compared with healthy BMI at both 2 and 6 weeks after operation. Conclusions: Our results indicate that obesity may be positively correlated with earlier incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome requiring surgical intervention. These data also indicate the increased rates of postoperative complications in obese patients, particularly patients with OB3. Patients with OB3 need to understand these risks before undergoing open release. Further study should examine the impact of type 2 diabetes on carpal tunnel release recovery. Clinical relevance: The information included in this study may be used to guide surgeons and patients when considering the effect and potential improvement in outcomes that may come from addressing patient BMI before open carpal tunnel surgery.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Improve after Hypothenar Fat Flap for the Treatment of Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Background: Recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can present with persistent or recurrent symptoms after carpal tunnel release (CTR). A common aetiology for recurrent CTS is the development of perineural adhesions due to excess scarring. The hypothenar fat pad flap (HFPF) has been described to decrease the amount of scarring formed after revision CTR. Herein, we present a prospective evaluation of these patients. Methods: A prospective series of consecutive patients by a single surgeon with recurrent CTS was conducted. All patients had at least 3 months follow-up. Patients received a revision open CTR with HFPF. The primary outcome was the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Secondary outcomes included pain and satisfaction on visual analogue scale, range of motion, grip strength, patient-reported outcomes and complications. Clinical outcomes were compared between preoperative and postoperative intervals using paired t-tests, with significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: Fifteen wrists (14 patients) were recruited for the study. Patients were predominantly male (n = 9; 66%). Revision open CTR with HFPF was performed a median of 42 months (range: 4-300 months) post primary CTR. Patients demonstrated improved patient-reported outcomes with significantly improved BCTQ pain score (p < 0.01), Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (p < 0.01) and QuickDASH (p < 0.001). Two patients in the series reported postoperative complications; however, there was no incidence of donor site morbidity recorded. Conclusions: Revision open CTR with hypothenar fat pad flap is associated with decreased pain, high patient satisfaction and improved functional measures compared to pre-operative status. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

The Isolated Motor Branch of the Ulnar Nerve Injury During Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

A 76-year-old woman underwent open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). She had sudden sharp shooting pain in her hand, in the mid-palmar area, during the operation. She was then unable to abduct or adduct her thumb and fingers after surgery. She had no sensation impairment of the ulnar digit. The nerve conduction study confirmed a complete transection of the motor branch of the ulnar nerve (MUN). The MUN was repaired, and the patient recovered her intrinsic hand muscle function two years after the operation. The mechanism of injury, related anatomy and potentially dangerous area, clinical findings, management, and prevention are discussed.

Anomalous Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Muscle Belly Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Anomalous muscle bellies in the forearm generally are asymptomatic and appreciated in an academic sense during cadaveric dissections. Few prior anatomic variations in muscle bellies have been described with symptoms, and are associated even more rarely with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We discuss the evaluation and management of a case of CTS associated with a muscle belly of the flexor digitorum superficialis to the index within the carpal tunnel.

Open Carpal Tunnel Release With a Z-plasty Rearrangement for Median Nerve Mononeuropathy Secondary to Traumatic Scar Contracture.

We present the case of a 56-year-old woman who developed carpal tunnel syndrome and palmar scar contracture secondary to a left-hand palmar laceration in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident. The patient underwent carpal tunnel release and a Z-plasty rearrangement to restore normal thumb movement. The patient reported significant improvement in thumb mobility, resolution of median neuropathy symptoms, and no pain along the scar at her three-month follow-up. Our case illustrates the effectiveness of a Z-plasty in relieving tension along scars and potential management for traction-type extraneural neuropathy arising from scar contracture.

Re-evaluation of the Indications for the Camitz Procedure in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The modified Camitz procedure has been used to improve thumb opposition in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), although its indications remain controversial. This study compared the functional recovery of thumb opposition following carpal tunnel release with and without a concomitant Camitz procedure. We used the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Instrument questionnaire (CTSI) and the compound muscle action potential of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB-CMAP) to assess the recovery. METHODS: Five hundred sixty-seven hands underwent surgical treatment for CTS following electrophysiologic studies and the CTSI. The procedures included carpal tunnel release (either endoscopic carpal tunnel release [ECTR] or open carpal tunnel release [OCTR]) and OCTR with a Camitz procedure. One hundred thirty-six patients with absent preoperative APB-CMAP constituted the material of our study. The CTSI and APB-CMAP recoveries between the "ECTR/OCTR group" and the "Camitz group" were compared before surgery and at three, six, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in recovery between the "ECTR/OCTR group" and the "Camitz group" according to the three scales of CTSI (symptom severity scale, functional state scale, and FS-2 item, buttoning clothes: an alternative test of thumb opposition) and the APB-CMAP. CONCLUSION: Carpal tunnel release procedures resulted in the useful recovery of thumb opposition without the need for Camitz, even if APB-CMAP did not fully recover. The action of the other synergistic muscles acting on the thumb and the sensory recovery may have contributed to the recovery of thumb opposition. The Camitz procedure also may be only rarely indicated for hands affected by severe CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Scalpel versus Electrocautery for Surgical Skin Incision in Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background: Electrocautery is an option for skin incision for the neck, abdominal or inguinal surgery, but is not generally used for hand surgery. The aim of this study was to clarify whether electrocautery skin incision would be beneficial in open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). Methods: A total of 16 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome underwent skin incision for OCTR using either a scalpel (n = 9) or a microdissection diathermy needle (n = 7). Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100 mm) daily from postoperative days 1 till 7. Results: The diathermy group reported higher VAS scores (mean 80 mm) on the first postoperative day versus the scalpel group mean of 35 mm (p < 0.001). We continued measuring pain for 7 days after the surgery and found higher VAS scores for the diathermy group in the first 6 days. Conclusions: The use of electrocautery is associated with greater pain score in the first postoperative 6 days following OCTR. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Median Nerve Recovery and Morphological Change on MRI at 24 Months after Open Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative clinical results and long-term morphological changes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). Methods: We retrospectively analysed data for 28 hands that had undergone OCTR with at least 24 months of follow-up data. Two-point discrimination (2PD) test results were examined for the first three fingers, as were the distal motor latency (DML) and sensory conduction velocity (SCV) of the median nerve. We also calculated the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the carpal tunnel and the distance from the median nerve to the volar carpal bone at the hamate and the pisiform levels using MRI images. Variables were compared before and 24 months after OCTR. Results: Significant improvements in all variables were observed, including average 2PD scores (Finger I: 13.1 ± 6.2 vs. 7.7 ± 4.3, p < 0.01, Finger II: 11.9 ± 6.6 vs. 7.0 ± 3.5, p < 0.01, Finger III: 13.6 ± 6.1 vs. 7.8 ± 4.5, p < 0.01), average DML (8.3 ± 3.3 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6 m/s, p < 0.01), average SCV (30.8 ± 11.0 vs. 41.3 ± 5.3 m/s, p < 0.01), CSA of the carpal tunnel (hamate level: 194.9 ± 30.6 vs. 254.2 ± 47.6 mm2, p < 0.01, pisiform level: 244.2 ± 46.5 vs. 274.7 ± 75.1 mm2, p = 0.01) and the distance between the median nerve and volar carpal bone (hamate level: 8.7 ± 1.4 vs. 11.2 ± 1.6 mm, p < 0.01, pisiform level: 11.8 ± 1.7 vs. 13.8 ± 2.5 mm, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that OCTR is successful in achieving long-term decompression and recovery of the median nerve in patients with CTS. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Intraoperative Conversion From Endoscopic to Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review and Case Series.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, outcomes, and complications associated with conversion from endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) to open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). METHODS: A retrospective case review of all patients who underwent ECTR over 4 years by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons at a single academic center was performed. We recorded outcomes and the reason for conversion in patients who underwent conversion to an OCTR. Baseline demographics and surgical complications were compared between the 2 groups. A systematic review was performed to define the incidence and reasons for conversion from ECTR to OCTR. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included clinical studies of ECTR from 2000 to 2021. RESULTS: In the retrospective series, 9 of 892 (1.02%) ECTR cases underwent conversion to an OCTR at the time of the index procedure. One of 9 converted cases had transient neurapraxia involving the recurrent motor branch after surgery compared with 0 cases in the group that underwent ECTR without conversion. Improvements in the visual analog scale for pain and QuickDASH were noted at a mean of 46 weeks after surgery in the group that underwent conversion to OCTR. The systematic review identified an incidence of conversion of 0.62%. The most common reasons for conversion to OCTR in the case series and systematic review were poor visualization due to hypertrophic tenosynovium and aberrant nerve anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of intraoperative conversion from ECTR to OCTR during the index procedure was 1.02%, with the most common reasons for conversion being poor visualization due to hypertrophic tenosynovium and aberrant nerve anatomy. Patients who undergo conversion from ECTR to OCTR demonstrate improvements in pain and disability, similar to patients who undergo ECTR without conversion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Open or Endoscopic Release Surgery Method?

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or median nerve neuropathy is among the causes of numbness, paresthesia, and sensory and motor dysfunction in the affected hand. The objective of this study was to compare open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) methods. Methods: A multicenter, historical cohort study was performed on 47 hands in 46 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CTS and a failed trial of conservative treatment. Samples were divided into two groups consisting of 23 patients receiving open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) and ECTR. Outcome measurements had been carried out six weeks after the operation and included handgrip strength, post-op pain, and missing job days. Results: Patients in both groups were comparable regarding baseline characteristics such as age, gender, and handgrip strength. Both methods significantly improved handgrip strength. No significant difference was detected between the two groups concerning handgrip strength improvement (P=0.700) and sick leave days (P=0.564). Open carpal tunnel release resulted in more significant post-op pain (mean 5.91±1.24 compared to 2.43±0.73 after endoscopic release), which was significant (P=0.000). No complications were reported with any technique. Conclusion: This study revealed that apart from post-op pain, other investigated endpoints were similar in both groups. Although the small sample size has limited our ability to draw a conclusive statement, these data suggest that there is no need to utilize the endoscopic technique for the optimum result, especially when this method requires more advanced equipment and could increase surgery costs. Therefore, both approaches can result in good clinical outcomes.

Is there a need for postoperative monitoring after open carpal tunnel release under WALANT?

Open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) is a common outpatient procedure in hand surgery worldwide. In our clinic, WALANT has replaced intravenous regional anesthesia with a tourniquet (IVRA, or 'Bier block') as standard practice in OCTR. We therefore wondered what the optimal postoperative setting after OCTR under WALANT is. In this study, we compared patient satisfaction in two postoperative settings: immediate discharge (ID) after the operation, or short postoperative monitoring (PM) period in the outpatient clinic. Our hypothesis was that older patients would prefer a brief postoperative surveillance. We retrospectively analyzed patient satisfaction with the two settings using an adjusted questionnaire based on the standard Swiss grading system. We also assessed postoperative pain, satisfaction with the perioperative preparations and the reasons for unscheduled postoperative consultations, as secondary outcomes. One hundred and nine patients (ID, n = 63; PM, n = 46) were included in this single-center retrospective observational study. Patients were highly satisfied with both postoperative settings (Mean: ID 5.1/6; PM 5.5/6; p = 0.07). Even patients aged ≥80 years reported extremely high satisfaction with both settings (ID 5.6/6; PM 6.0/6; p = 0.08). Fifteen patients (ID, n = 11 [17.5%]; PM, n = 4 [8.7%], p = 0.72) unexpectedly consulted a doctor after surgery. OCTR under WALANT as an outpatient procedure with immediate discharge was associated with high patient satisfaction. However, detailed postoperative monitoring could contribute to the patient's well-being and education on how to cope with the postoperative course, and help with any questions.

A Systematic Review of Randomised Control Trials Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most prevalent form of nerve compression syndrome of the upper limb; therefore, it is of clinical significance to critique treatment methods. There is an ongoing debate amongst clinicians as to which surgical method-open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release-provides better overall symptom relief and faster recovery time. This systematic review aimed to investigate the evidence from randomised control trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. METHODS: Database searches were carried out to identify literature. An inclusion and exclusion criteria was applied to only include randomised control trials which compared open and endoscopic surgery. Publications were then selected according to PRISMA guidelines, risk of bias was assessed and patient outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were selected for this systematic review. It was found that for improvement to grip strength and symptom severity, the endoscopic group had more significant improvement in the short term, resulting in a quicker return to work time compared to the open group. The complication rate for both intervention groups was low despite more severe and irreversible complications such as prolonged pain and wound infections being observed in the open group; however, the endoscopic group reported a higher risk of needing repeat surgery. CONCLUSION: The quicker recovery time, improved cosmetic result and less severe complications observed with the endoscopic technique suggest that it should be used more often. However, this review found no convincing evidence of a significantly superior technique in the long term.

Ulnar Nerve Injury Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Case Report.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral nerve diseases. It is managed medically and if not, resolved by surgical procedure. Decompression of the carpal tunnel is considered the definitive treatment. There are multiple complications after this procedure, which can be classified into three categories: (I) persistent, (II) recurrent, or (III) new symptoms, and ulnar nerve palsy after decompression of the carpal tunnel is a rare complication. In this study, we present a case of carpal tunnel decompression, which was complicated by ulnar nerve palsy, which exacerbated a pre-existing chronic ulnar nerve injury. We also explore the possible causes that may have led to this outcome.

Return to work following ultrasound guided thread carpal tunnel release versus open carpal tunnel release: a comparative study.

A retrospective review of hospital employees at a single employer institution who underwent ultrasound guided thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) or open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) between January 2018 and August 2020 was performed to ascertain differences in return-to-work status. Patient age, sex, occupation, handedness, severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, prior treatments and surgical outcomes were reviewed. A total of 18 patients underwent TCTR and 17 patients underwent OCTR. The TCTR group averaged 12 days to return to work without restrictions, as opposed to 33 days for the OCTR group. Resolution of symptoms was afforded in all patients without any complications regardless of surgical technique. While both TCTR and OCTR were effective, our data indicates that TCTR resulted in a shorter return to work.Level of evidence: III.