Percutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release Using Preoperative Ultrasonography and the Wire Rope

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to introduce a new method of percutaneous carpal tunnel release and report its results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After preoperative ultrasonographic mapping, a percutaneous carpal tunnel release was performed using the wire rope through two skin needle punctures. Forty wrists of 30 patients were evaluated restrospectively in terms of the symptomatic resolution and complications. The mean age of patients was 53.7 years ranging from 44 to 79 years. The mean follow-up period was 12.8 months ranging from 6 to 18 months. RESULTS: All cases showed complete relief or marked improvement of symptoms postoperatively. There was no neurovascular injury or other major complication. At postoperative 6 months follow-up, according to the Boston questionnaire, symptom severity score improved from 3.67+/-0.25 preoperatively to 1.55+/-0.33 postoperatively, and functional status score improved from 3.52+/-0.38 preoperatively to 2.09+/-0.42 postoperatively. All patients regained grip strength and pinch strength after surgery. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous carpal tunnel release using the preoperative ultrasonograhic mapping and the wire rope is an effective, reliable and safe method with the benefits of less postoperative pain and early recovery.

Percutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release Using Curved Hemostat and Meniscectomy Hook Knife / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to introduce a method of percutaneous carpal tunnel release and report the results of our experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A percutaneous carpal tunnel release was performed using a curved hemostat and a meniscectomy hook knife through a small transverse incision at the proximal wrist crease. Among 125 cases from 81 patients, 91 wrists from 58 patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of the symptomatic resolution and complications. The mean follow up period was 38.9 months ranging from 12 to 118 months. RESULTS: All but one cases (99%) showed a complete symptomatic resolution or a marked improvement postoperatively, and 94.5% of cases were satisfied with the final result. Two patients had a second operation, one chronic renal failure patient showed recurrent symptoms after an initial improvement and the other showed persistent symptoms. There were two superficial palmar arch injuries and one digital nerve injury. However two of them were the earliest cases of an inexperienced surgeons. CONCLUSION: When an experienced surgeon performs a percutaneous carpal tunnel release meticulously, it is a safe and reliable method with the benefits of less postoperative pain and an early recovery.

Endoscopy-assisted Percutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release through Single Small Incision / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To avoid prolonged recovery time and scar tenderness in open carpal tunnel release and possible nerve or tendon injuries by bulky instruments in endoscopic techniques, we tried to percutaneously release the transverse carpal ligament using simple, thin instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed carpal tunnel release percutaneously through a single small incision on the wrist with curved mosquito and meniscectomy hook knife under general or regional anesthesia in 41 wrists of 27 patients during the last 5 years and followed up for at least one year. Before and after release, endoscopic examinations were done to rule out space occupying lesions or other anormalies and to confirm complete release. RESULTS: According to the Cseuz's criteria, 38 cases (93%) showed excellent or good results, which was compatible to open or endoscopic technique with special instruments and there was no major neurovascular injury except one superficial palmar arch laceration associated with the second palmar incision in complicated case. CONCLUSIONS: From earlier experience, we learned that this simple technique may be used successfully with low cost without any fear of complication.