Endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Use of the modified Chow technique in 215 cases

• Published in: Medical journal of Australia Vol. 160; no. 3; p. 104
• Main Author: Slattery, P G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 07.02.1994
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - surgery; Contraindications; Endoscopy - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0025-729X
• DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1994.tb126549.x

To present my experience using the modified Chow two-portal technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Two hundred and fifteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome of more than three months' duration, unresponsive to conservative treatment. Only those few with the specific contraindications of recurrence, a florid flexor tenosynovitis or an acute crush injury were excluded. The operation used the modified Chow two-portal endoscopic method of carpal tunnel release. The original Chow method was used in another 15 patients. Symptomatic relief of pain and paraesthesia. Most patients made a rapid and dramatic recovery, with an early return to work, when compared with both my and patients' previous experience of open carpal tunnel release. Complications were few--two cases of mild reflex sympathetic dystrophy, two of unrelieved symptoms, and no permanent nerve or tendon injury. The modified Chow two-portal technique of endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel is effective, with a rapid recovery and few complications--provided that it is done by a surgeon experienced in this method.