CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE BY THE CHOW ENDOSCOPIC TECHNİQUE

Abstract

Results at mid-term follow-up <b>Introduction: Endoscopic procedures have become popular for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to put forward the problems and the mid-term results of the endoscopic carpal tunnel release with two portal according to Chow technique. Patients and Metod: Twenty patients had been operated by endoscopic Chow method between 1996-1997. There were seven male and thirteen female patients and the mean age was 43 years. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. The patients who had romatoid arthritis, excessive tenosynovitis and osseous pathology as etiologic factors were excluded. Function of the hand was assessed by questionnaire through daily activities, as well as by subjective strenght and sensibility.
Results: There were two digital nerve injury, one superficial palmar arc injury and there was insufficient release of transverse carpal ligament in one patient. All of the patients with complications were healed except the one who had digital nerve injury. There was normal grip strength in 70 % and full recovery of the paresthesis in 80 % at the latest control. The intensity of pain was 8,2 points on the incision scar according to the visual pain scale.
Discussion: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release was effective in relieving symptoms at mid-term followup but had great potential for iatrogenic complication in the learning curve.