Median nerve and carpal tunnel volume changes after two different surgical methods: A comparative magnetic resonance imaging study of mini-open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare endoscopic carpal tunnel release versus mini-open carpal tunnel release regarding volume changes in the carpal tunnel and median nerve by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 17 wrists of 13 patients (1 male, 12 females; mean age 55 years; range, 51 to 64 years) who were diagnosed with carpal syndrome. Ten wrists underwent mini-open carpal tunnel release, while seven wrists underwent uni-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Carpal tunnel and median nerve volumetric changes were evaluated by MRI pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS Surgical section of transverse carpal ligament significantly increased the postoperative volume of the carpal tunnel and median nerve compared to preoperative (p<0.05). However, the endoscopic and mini-open carpal tunnel techniques had no superiority over one another regarding volume expansion (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Both methods can be preferred to release the transverse carpal ligament in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgeon should decide on which method to use considering the advantages and disadvantages reported in the literature.