Transverse Carpal Ligament Release with Agee Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release System

ABSTRACT

The carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Several treatment modalities are available at present time. Surgical methods vary from open surgery, alternative surgical method using retinaculatome, and endoscopic surgery. Ten patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were treated with Agee endoscopic carpal tunnel release system in our institute from Nov. 1996 to Jan. 1998. The sensory conduction velocity of the median nerve were delayed or the sensory evoked potential were not evoked in all patients preoperatively. Preoperative plain radiographs of hands(including carpal tunnel view) showed normal bony structures of the carpal tunnel in all. Symptoms were immediately relieved after surgery and complete alleviation of symptoms were observed in all but one after a follow up of three months. Although small in number of patients treated, this method seems to be a better than the other treatment modalities.