Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy in
humans today. Surgical release is indicated for patients when conservative treatment fails. Different techniques currently in use .endoscopic techniques are becoming increasingly popular but midpalmar skin incision is a safe, simple and successful alternative technique. Objective: to evaluate the midpalmar carpal tunnel release with particular emphasis on the location of the skin incision used. Patients and Methods: From July 2009 through March 2013, we conducted 48 procedures in 43 patients in Benha university hospital and Mabarra hospital, the patients included were 33 women (76.74%) and 10 men (23.25%) aged 23 to 62 years. In all patients, the
diagnosis of Carpal tunnel syndrome based on a clinical presentation and confirmed by preoperative electromyography of median nerve below the elbow. The operations performed under local infiltration anesthesia along the incision site with general mask anesthesia without tourniquet control.The postoperative follow-up period was 6 months. Results: 35 hands (83.3%) had excellent relief of symptoms, four hands (9.52%) had good relief of symptoms, two hands (4.76%) had fair relief of symptoms, and one hand (2.38%) had only minimal improvement. The return-to-work period was 3 to 12 weeks. No major neurovascular injuries occurred.Conclusion: midpalmar carpal tunnel release is effective as any other open surgical procedures for carpal tunnel decompression but a safer and simple technique also its results similar to those of endoscopic carpal tunnel release and so we believe it is a good and Successful comparative alternative technique for carpal tunnel decompression.
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