An evidence-based review of a single surgeon's experience with endoscopic carpal tunnel release

• Published in: Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances Vol. 21; no. 3; p. 117
• Main Authors: Sabesan, Vani J, Pedrotty, Dawn, Urbaniak, James R, Aldridge, 3rd, J Mack
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 2012
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - surgery; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies
• ISSN: 1548-825X
• DOI: 10.3113/JSOA.2012.0117

Although introduced more than 20 years ago, endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) continues to generate debate and controversy among surgeons. This review examines a single surgeon's technique for ECTR over the past 13 years to better understand the effects of a surgeon's experience on outcomes. A retrospective review was performed on a case series of 129 patients ages 25 to 89 years old who underwent an ECTR at Duke University. Ninety-six percent of patients reported improvement in nerve symptoms. There were no nerve complications in the series. The billed cost of ECTR at Duke University was 9% less than standard open release and the average return to work by report by patients was 3 weeks. Previous recommendations against ECTR have focused on increased complication rates and cost, with no reported differences in long-term clinical outcomes. The results demonstrate increased success and lower complication rates for this series of patients. This may indicate a significant correlation between a surgeon's expertise and outcomes for ECTR.