O2442 ENCDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE: THIRTEEN YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WITH THE CHOW TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success and complication rate of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) using the Chow technique in a large series of patients. Methods: Between September 1897 and February 2001, 2402 hands in 1698 patients underwent ECTRusing the Chow technique. The mean age of the patients was 51 years (14–96). The diagnosis of CTS was based on clinical symptoms and nerve conduction velocity test. Patients were evaluated by physical examination or interviewed by telephone for the current status of their hands. Patients were asked to report about any symptoms following surgery, including numbness, tingling, night pain, weakness and if present the severity of them. The return to work status was followed in 1156 patients. Results: The average follow-up was 6 years and 10 months (range 4 to 161 months). The average operating time was 8 minutes (ranged 5 to 27). A total of 2284 (95%) hands were completely asymptomatic or had very minor problems after ECTR. There were 26 complications, including perioperative (neurapraxias) and late (failed cases, recurrences, infections) complications. The overall complication rate was 1.1% but no serious complications were occurred in this series. Ninety percent of non-workerñs compensation patients and 60% of workerñs compensation patients return to work within 4 weeks. Conclusions: This study suggests that ECTR for carpal tunnel syndrome is a reliable procedure with a high success rate. Furthermore, the technique was found to be safe and iatrogenic complications can be avoided with meticulous surgical technique.