Patient Outcomes after Open Release of the Carpal Ligament on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Kim, Young Yeun; Seo, Jae Sung; Ahn, Myun Whan; Ahn, Jong Chul

Abstract

We present at least a one-year follow up of the 19 patients(twenty-two hands) of a open release of carpal ligament and external neurolysis in surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. The transverse carpal ligament is exposed through a three centimeter paJmar incision in line with the axis of the third finger, started at the mid-point of the distal wrist crease and then straightly advanced. We analysed clinical manifestations and the following results were obtained; The average follow-up period was 27 months (12 - 120months). 1. According to the patients satisfaction of results(Cseuz criteria), the large majority of patients(91%) obtained good results. In 9% of the case (two hands) symptoms were siightly improved followed the operation but pain, numbness and paresthesia remained troublesome. 2. The mean grip and pinch strength of the fifteen hands were 23.4kg and 5.97kg respectively. 3. Thirteen(87%) of the fifteen hands that had thenar atrophy regained normal muscle bulk. 4. Six(50%) of the twelve hands that had denervation findings such as fibrillation or sharp wave were disappeared. 5. Twenty(91%) of the twenty-two hands that had increased values for two-point discrimination had normal values at follow-up.