Endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression: Comparison of mid- and long-term outcomes of 30 endoscopic and 30 standard procedure carpal tunnel decompression operations

Open versus Single- or Dual-Portal Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Compared to the traditional open carpal tunnel release (OCTR), the additional safety and efficacy benefits of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of ECTR versus conventional OCTR as well as determine if a difference exists between the 2 most common endoscopic techniques: the single-portal and the dual-portal endoscopic technique.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, PubMed, and the CENTRAL. Additional articles were identified by handsearching reference lists. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared outcomes of ECTR with OCTR technique. Outcomes assessed included length of surgery, patient reported symptom and functional measures, time to return to work, and complications. A sub-group analysis was performed to indirectly compare single- versus dual-portal endoscopic approaches. Statistical analysis was performed via a random-effects model using Review Manager 5 Software.

RESULTS

A meta-analysis of 23 studies revealed a significantly higher incidence of transient postoperative nerve injury with ECTR, regardless of the number of portals, as compared with OCTR, although overall complication and re-operation rates were equivalent. Scar tenderness was significantly diminished with dual-portal endoscopic release when compared to single-portal and open methods. The rates of pillar pain, symptom relief, and patient reported satisfaction did not differ significantly between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although endoscopic surgery may be appealing in terms of reduced postoperative morbidity and a faster return to work for patients, surgeons should be mindful of the associated learning curve and higher incidence of transient nerve injury. Further study is required to identify if an advantage exists between different endoscopic techniques.

Heterotrophic Ossification of the Flexor Retinaculum in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy. This syndrome has various etiologies of which heterotopic ossification of the flexor retinaculum is a rare cause. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic, progressive inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that mainly affects the axial skeleton and rarely causes peripheral neurological symptoms. A 48-year-old woman presented with numbness and pain in her right hand. Ten years earlier, she was diagnosed with AS. Electrodiagnostic evaluation revealed severe median nerve compression at the right wrist. The patient underwent surgery for severe CTS. During the operation, the flexor retinaculum could not be incised due to marked stiffness. Ossification of the flexor retinaculum was seen, and the retinaculum was partially excised with an osteotome and Kerrison rongeur. The patient's complaints resolved almost totally after the operation. AS is a common systemic inflammatory disease that can produce heterotopic ossification of the flexor retinaculum. Preoperative wrist computed tomography should be obtained in patients with CTS and AS.