Endoscopic decompression of the median nerve for idiopathic Carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the commonest entrapment neuropathies. Hand pain and numbness are mostly the presenting symptoms. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) has been demonstrated to reduce recovery time and allow faster return to the work. The purpose of this prospective descriptive study was to evaluate the efficacy and advantages of (ECTR) through single proximal incision. In this study, the procedure was done for 36 hands in 36 patients. The results showed that females:male = 9:1, mean age was 42 years. Right hand dominance was 90% and affected in 67%. Preoperatively, the condition was moderate in 61% and severe in 39%. The average operating time was 10 minutes and the mean follow up period was 6 months with no major postoperative complications. In 8%, transient neurapraxia was found and resolved in 1 week and tenderness was found in 70% and resolved in 4 weeks. We concluded that endoscopic carpal tunnel release is an effective minimal incisional safe procedure with a high success rate, rapid return to work.