Endoscopic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Surgical release of transverse carpal ligament is indicated if symptom persists in spite of conservative treatment. Release of transverse carpal ligament without neurolysis is sufficient to relieve the symptom. Several methods of endoscopic treatment have developed and the good results were reported. We reported the results of 13 cases treated with endoscopic carpal tunnel release in 12 patients from March 1995 to July 1996. Eleven cases treated with one portal technique(Agee) and 2 cases treated with two incision technique(Chow). Average follow-up period is 11months(4-19 months). Average age was 48.5(35-56)years old. There were 11 women and 1 male. Average duration of symptoms before the operation was 9 months. According to Cseuz's creiteria, excellent results was obtained in 77% of patients. Tingling sensation dimnished within 24 hours after operation in six patients. Two thenar atrophy didn't recovered at 8 months after operation. Three scar tenderness occured. Relief of symptom was achieved quickly when endoscopic method was used but several technical pitfall must be avoided.