Journal List > Kosin Med J > v.28(1) > 1056995

Kwon and Kwak: The Efficacy of Carpal Tunnel Release with Mini-Open Incision

Abstract

Objectives

We evaluated the effects of carpal tunnel release with a mini-open incision by analyzing symptom improvement.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 64 carpal tunnel syndrome patients who underwent carpal tunnel release with mini-open incisions between January 2001 and December 2010. The 22 males and 42 females had a mean age of 49 years and a mean follow-up of 12 months. We analyzed postoperative symptoms using The Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire.

Results

Patients reported complete resolution of their symptoms, and some patients who had presented with residual symptoms improved gradually. No complications or scar hypersensitivity were observed. MHQ(Michigan Hand outcomes Questionnaire) scores improved significantly between preoperative and postoperative 6 months and 12 months.

Conclusions

Carpal tunnel release with mini-open incision provides a clinically effective, reliable and safe procedure.

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Fig. 1.
A 1.5 cm longitudinal incision was made on the thenar crease.
kmj-28-13f1.tif
Fig. 2.
The transverse carpal ligament was identified.
kmj-28-13f2.tif
Fig. 3.
The proximal and distal release in the carpal tunnel was extended.
kmj-28-13f3.tif
Table 1.
Positive findings on the physical examination
Findings No. of Cases
Sensory change 61 (95.3%)
Thenar muscle atrophy 32 (50.0%)
Tinel sign 43 (67.1%)
Phalen's flextion test 42 (65.6%)
Table 2.
Preoperative Versus Postoperative MHQ Scores
Scale* Mean Preoperative score Mean Postoperative score (6 month) Mean Preoperative score (12 month)
Function 58.1 69.4 83.1
Activities of daily living 62.9 76.0 83.2
Work 54.7 71.1 78.4
Pain 79.6 45.5 29.2
Satisfaction 31.5 58.1 70.9

* All of the MHQ scales are based on a score of 0 to 100. For all of the scales except pain, the higher the scores the better the patient’s hand performance. For the pain scale, the lower the score the less pain the patient experiences.

Table 3.
Published Literature
Function Activity of daily living Pain Satisfaction Complications
Current study 83.1 83.2 29.2 70.9 -
Jeffrey N. Katz et al. Improved Improved 10-30 70 -
Yeo K Q et al. - - - 100 -
Marc Christopher Manix et al. Improved - - 96 5
Craig M. et al. Improved - 2-19 81-98 46
Jeffrey G Jarvik et al. 73 61 29 73 -
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