Double Minimal Incision Release for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparative Study to the Standard Open Technique

Shin,  Eun Ho; Na,  Yeop; Lee,  Tong Joo

doi:2017.22.2.96

Arch Hand Microsurg > Volume 22(2); 2017 > Article

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2017;22(2):96-104.
Published online June 30, 2017.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2017.22.2.96

Double Minimal Incision Release for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparative Study to the Standard Open Technique

Eun Ho Shin, Yeop Na, Tong Joo Lee

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea. TJLEE@inha.ac.kr

Received: 29 March 2017 • Revised: 28 May 2017 • Accepted: 29 May 2017

Abstract

Purpose
A minimally invasive surgical technique has been introduced to treat carpal tunnel syndrome that causes less pain, minimal scaring, and a rapid recovery. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the double minimal incision release compared with the open surgery technique.

Methods
A study was performed on 175 cases in 111 patients who were operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome from January 2010 to December 2014. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to the type of surgical technique: 82 cases underwent standard open surgery in group A and 93 cases underwent double minimal incision release in group B. Grip strength and postoperative pain were evaluated 4 and 8 weeks and 6 and 12 months after surgery, and the period of numbness and time needed to resume normal activities were investigated.

Results
Group B patients showed better outcomes during the 2 first months after surgery than those of group A patients in numbness, pain, stiffness (p<0.05), less scar pain and tenderness (p<0.001), and shorter time needed to resume normal activities. However, no differences in these parameters were observed between the 2 groups after 6 months (p>0.05).

Conclusion
Double minimal incision release offered better clinical outcomes until 2 months after surgery compared to the standard open surgery technique and reduced incipient postoperative pain and allowed for earlier resumption of normal activities.