PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to ascertain whether endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is indicated for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Two-portal ECTR was performed on 67 hands in 52 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy. RESULTS: Preoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was severe in 24 hands, moderate in 23 hands, and mild in 20 hands. Postoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was severe in 6 hands, moderate in 2 hands, mild in 23 hands, and none in 36 hands. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements with thenar muscle function in most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be expected with 2-portal ECTR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to ascertain whether endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is indicated for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Two-portal ECTR was performed on 67 hands in 52 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy. RESULTS: Preoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was severe in 24 hands, moderate in 23 hands, and mild in 20 hands. Postoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was severe in 6 hands, moderate in 2 hands, mild in 23 hands, and none in 36 hands. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements with thenar muscle function in most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be expected with 2-portal ECTR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
Authors: Carlos H Fernandes; Lia M Meirelles; Jorge Raduan Neto; Luis R Nakachima; João B G Dos Santos; Flavio Faloppa Journal: Hand (N Y) Date: 2013-03