Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: clinical results.

This article reviews the results of endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. Comparison with a matched population of patients undergoing standard open carpal tunnel release was performed with respect to safety and return to work times. The newer technique was found to be safe because no surgical complications were noted in the study group. Patients undergoing the endoscopic technique with private insurance returned to work 15.6 days sooner than their open counterparts. Patients with workers' compensation claims returned to work at the same time regardless of the technique used.