RESUMO
Objective To explore a new technology system with single-portal and without special equipment to complete the arthroscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods All the patients with CTS were randomly divided into two groups, modified endoscopic carpal tunnel release (MECTR) group (22 cases) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) group (24 cases). Nine parameters were evaluated, which including operation time, intraoperative complications, two-point discrimination 3 months after the operation, hospitalization time, scar pain score, incision infection rate, each patient's symptom amelioration (Kelly grading), the time needed to resume normal lifestyle and activity, symptoms of sympathetic dystrophy. Results No significant difference was observed between the MECTR group and OCTR group in regard to incision infection rate, intraoperative complications, two-point discrimination,symptoms of sympathetic dystrophy and clinical symptoms amelioration. In comparison to OCTS, MECTR significantly decreased operation time, hospitalization time, scar pain score and the time needed to resume normal lifestyle and activity. Conclusion MECTR for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome has higher patient satisfaction, shorter operation time and hospitalization time, earlier return to work or normal lifestyle, less postoperative scar pain, so it is an effective method for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.