The purpose of our study was to compare the clinical results of minimal incision carpal tunnel release with those of endoscopic release.

We analyzed 27 patients (41 cases) who had been treated by minimal incision carpal tunnel release and 20 patients (29 cases) treated by single portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release. The average follow up period was 35.2 months. Results were compared between the two groups by assessing subjective satisfaction, postoperative symptoms, grip and pinch strength, two point discrimination and time to recovery.

According to Cseuz's criteria, the results were excellent or good in 38 cases (93%) in minimal incision carpal tunnel release group, and in 27 cases (93%) in the endoscopic carpal tunnel release group. Subjective symptoms, grip power, pinch strength, thenar muscle atrophy, two point discrimination test and recovery time were similar in the two groups.

We suggest that minimal incision carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel release are equally efficient methods for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.