Endoscopic Release in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Kim, Jong Soon; Shin, Kyoo Seag; Lee, Dong Hwa; Chang, Ik Hwan; Kim, Yong Whee

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is known as the most common peripheral nerve entrapment neuropathy which results from compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Recently, endoscopic carpal tunnel release was introduced as an alternative of open carpal tunnel release. The purpose of this study is to find out the clinical usefulness of endoscopic carpal tunnel release through analyzing results of symptom, physical sign and E.M.G. finding. We analyzed 20 patients (29 cases) who had been treated by endoscopic carpal tunnel release, and followed up over 6 mos at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bongseng Memorial Hospital from August 1994 to December 1996. The results were excellent or good in 27 cases (93%) in Cseuz criteria, poor in only 1 case. Grip strength recovered to preoperative strength level in 28 cases (96.6%) at 3 mos postoperatively. The EMG checked postoperatively demonstrated improvement in both sensory and motor function. In conclusion, although endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a technically demanding procedure and the learning curve in steep, it has the advantage of lesser palmar scarring, lesser ulnar pillar pain, rapid and complete return of strength and to work. Therefore, endoscopic carpal tunnel release can be a good method in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.