ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL-TUNNEL RELEASE - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The surgical technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release using the Concept Carpal Tunnel Relief Kit (Linvatec, Largo, FL) is described. This is a single-portal technique and can be performed with any standard (4-mm) arthroscope available in the operating room. The results of the first 100 cases treated by the author are reported. Ninety-four percent of the patients achieved relief of symptoms. No permanent neurological or vascular injury occurred in this series. The grip strength returned to preoperative level in 3-4 weeks in the majority of patients. Subjective evaluation showed a greater degree of patient satisfaction when compared with results of the open technique.