Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Fast Facts About Endoscopic versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release ~ The Woodlands Hand Surgeon

• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release involves a smaller incision (typically 1 cm at the wrist) whereas open carpal tunnel release involves a larger incision over the palm of the hand (~3cm incision)
• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has the advantage of less scar tenderness and pillar pain
• Patients who undergo an endoscopic carpal tunnel release has a faster grip recovery and earlier return to work in patients who are not recipients of workers' compensation
• In the hands of inexperienced surgeons, endoscopic carpal tunnel release has the potential for higher neurovascular complication rate owing to the technical demands of the procedure and its steep learning curve
• The decision of which procedure to perform is affected by the surgeon's experience and patient factors, which includes occupation, socioeconomic factors and patient's preference
• Studies have shown no difference in complication rates between the two techniques (open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release)

I recommend asking your hand surgeon, whether they are trained as orthopedic or plastic surgeons, their technique preference as well as their experience in performing the endoscopic carpal tunnel release. 

Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.

www.delacruzplasticsurgery.com