Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume 6, Issue 4 , Pages 288-296, December 1990

Endoscopic release of the carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome: 22-month clinical result

  • James C.Y. Chow, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. J. C. Chow, 413 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864, U.S.A.

Orthopaedic Clinic of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, U.S.A.

Abstract 

This article represents a review of 149 carpal tunnel decompressions on 109 carpal tunnel syndrome patients, and a 22-month clinical result on endoscopic carpal ligament release. The symptoms were relieved and no permanent nerve damage, vascular complications, hematomas, infections, or recurrences were reported. Postoperatively, one patient had a temporary loss of the interosseous muscle but recovered spontaneously in 4 weeks. In this 22-month survey, 28.9% of the patients were able to return to normal activities and work within 1 week, 58.5% returned within 2 weeks, 75.4% returned within 3 weeks, and 85.9% returned within 4 weeks. A pinch-and-grip study was performed; 32% regained normal pinch-and-grip strength within 1 week, 74% regained it in 2 weeks, 93% regained it in 3 weeks, and 100% regained it in 4 weeks. Based on our results, there has been rapid recovery, less scarring, decreased postoperative pain, and no loss of pinch-and-grip strength.

Keywords: Endoscopic release, Carpal ligament, Clinical result

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 The technique described in this article will be demonstrated in a forthcoming Video Supplement to Arthroscopy.

PII: 0749-8063(90)90058-L

doi:10.1016/0749-8063(90)90058-L

Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume 6, Issue 4 , Pages 288-296, December 1990