RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the carpal canal morphologic consequences following endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared with open approach. METHODS: 48 Patients with CTS were enrolled in our prospective trial. Participants were classified in 2 groups: 24 patients underwent open surgery technique and 24 underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression. Carpal canal shape and volume, configuration and position of contents, were analyzed by using imaging techniques. RESULTS: Preoperative carpal canal volume in endoscopic patient group averaged 5.7±1.4 cc and 7.3±2.9 cc at 6 weeks postoperatively (28%±7%, p=0.018). In contrast preoperative carpal canal volume in open carpal tunnel release group averaged 4.9±1.1 cc (and increased to 6.2±1.7 cc at 6-week follow up investigation (36%±5%, p=0.002). Preoperative carpal arch width calculation in endoscopic carpal tunnel release group averaged 21.7±1.1mm and 21.5±1.9mm in open carpal tunnel release patients (p=0.6575). Postoperative carpal arch width measurements in endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression group averaged 22.6±4.1mm and 22.1±2.9mm in open carpal tunnel release patient population at 6-week follow-up investigation (p=0.628). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approach causes an increment in carpal canal volume comparable to open technique and provides equivalent anatomic outcomes and will produce at least equivalent long-term clinical relief.
