Limited Two Incision Technique in Carpal Tunnel Release

Kim, Yong Jin; Chang, Jae Won; Park, Dong Man; Kim, Hyeong Ju

Abstract

Open carpal tunnel release surgery has heen the gold standard method of treatment for who did not respond to conservative treatment and whose neurologic symptoms were progressive. However, open carpal tunnel release using a standard incision frequently associated with delayed return of hand function, residual scar tenderness and pillar pain. So, two new alternative methods such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release and limited incision technique have developed. To define the role of the limited two incision technique, we anaiyzed the postoperative functional results of 40 cases in 33 patients. The patients were divided in two groups. Group A was standard incision group (23 cases in 19 patients) and Group B was limited two incision group (l7 cases in 14 patients). The postoperative functional results were analyzed statistically using chi-square test at postoperative 3, 6, 9 and l2 weeks. There were no significant differences in reliet of numbness and paresthesias in both groups. There was a statistically significant difference in relief of scar tenderness and pillar pain at postoperative 3 and 6 weeks in Group B. There was no significant complication in both groups. We can conclude that the limited two incision technique of carpal tunnel release is a safe procedure which allows rapid return of hand functions with reduced incidence of scar tenderness in the early postoperative stages.