Median Nerve Decompression Using Mini-Skin Incision in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Surgical Technique and Clinical Results

Median Nerve Decompression Using Mini-Skin Incision in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Surgical Technique and Clinical Results

Compression of the median nerve at the wrist level is the most common entrapment neuropathy and is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). In this study, in patients who were operated because of CTS; In order to reduce scar sensitization and pilar pain, surgical treatment was performed with a mini palmar incision distally from the transverse carpal ligament and the results and surgical technique were evaluated. A total of 103 patients (97 females, 6 males; mean age 49.4 years) who underwent surgery with mini open skin incision in our clinic between 2014 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Pain and functional evaluation of the patients after surgery were performed using visual analog scale (VAS) and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Patients were also evaluated for complications. The Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire scale and visual pain scale showed statistically significant improvement (p <0.05). In one patient; pain and immobility in the joints of the fingers due to not using a hand, improved after physical therapy. No patient was reoperated. It was observed that the patients started their daily activities on the second day, and the employees returned to work in the second week. The application of distal mini open surgery in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome; less scar tissue and tenderness on the incision, allowing patients to return to their earlier daily activities.

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