Prospective review of 278 endoscopic carpal tunnel releases using the modified chow technique.

The results of 278 endoscopic carpal tunnel releases using the extrabursal dual portal Chow technique were analyzed prospectively. The majority of patients were pain free by the 57th postoperative day. The perioperative complication rate was 1.7%. The late complication rate was 2.8%. Two cases were converted to open carpal tunnel release. The average time to return to full-duty work was 65 days in those patients covered by worker's compensation, whereas it was 21 days in the privately insured (non-worker's compensation) patients. The endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament is an effective technique for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with a low complications rate. Return to full employment requires more time in those patients covered by worker's compensation.