Anthropometry and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

A prospective study was performed in 100 consecutive endoscopic carpal tunnel releases (ECTR) to assess the effect of a number of anthropometric measures on the ease of introduction of the ECTR system into the carpal tunnel. Ease of access to the carpal tunnel correlated with the wrist circumference, height and age of patients. Surgeons should be aware that ECTR is likely to be more difficult in small patients with small wrists and should have a higher threshold for conversion to the open technique to avoid neurological complications.