Outcome of Carpal Tunnel Release with Longitudinal Mini Incision: A Prospective Cohort.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the outcome of longitudinal mini incision (1.5 cm) for carpal tunnel release (CTR), using the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) to measure symptomatic relief, functional recovery, and postoperative complications.

Study design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from October 2023 to September 2024.

Methodology: A prospective analysis was conducted on 77 patients who underwent CTR with longitudinal mini incision. Parameters evaluated were the outcome with BCTQ symptoms and functional scores for patients who underwent mini-incision CTR. This was recorded preoperatively and at six months post release with the questionnaire.

Results: Seventy-five patients showed significant improvement (score value + p-value) in BCTQ symptom and functional score post- release at six months after the release of CT via mini-incision technique. The only complications 6 (8%) recorded were pillar pain 2 (2.7%) and complex regional pain syndrome 4 (5.3%), which resolved at 6 months postoperatively. There were no injuries to the median nerve using the mini-incision technique, and no recurrence was recorded.

Conclusion: Mini-incision technique was safe and effective for median nerve release in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), along with excellent outcomes at six months when evaluated with the BCTQ symptoms and functional scores.

Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Mini incision carpal tunnel release, Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire.