Comparison of clinical results between elderly and younger patients following endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

We retrospectively analyzed clinical results of 107 hands of an elderly idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome group (65 years old and older) and 234 hands of a younger group (under 65 years old) following endoscopic carpal canal release surgery. There were statistical differences in recovery rates for tingling, pain sensation and touch sensation (p < 0.01) and recovery periods of touch sensation (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in recovery rates, periods of thumb abduction muscle power, and recovery rates of electrophysiological examination results. Cervical spondylosis may affect postoperative recovery of subjective sensory disturbance, especially in the elderly group. From these results, in elderly patients we recommend primary minimally invasive endoscopic carpal canal release surgery and only apply primary opponoplasty in cases when the patient strongly wishes reconstruction faster than six months.