Endoscopic release for carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to ascertain whether endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is indicated for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy. Prospective cohort study. Two-portal ECTR was performed on 67 hands in 52 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome accompanied by thenar muscle atrophy. Preoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was severe in 24 hands, moderate in 23 hands, and mild in 20 hands. Postoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was severe in 6 hands, moderate in 2 hands, mild in 23 hands, and none in 36 hands. Improvements with thenar muscle function in most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be expected with 2-portal ECTR. Level IV.