Open Carpal Tunnel Release: Comparison of a Long Versus Short Incision

Abstract

VL Kruger, MTM Rebot. Open carpal tunnel release: Comparison of a long versus short incision. Can J Plast Surg 1998;6(2):89-92. A total of 225 adults with carpal tunnel release of 313 wrists were studied to compare the outcome of a long (at least 3.5 cm) with that of a short (2.0 cm or less) incision technique. The two groups were compared for postoperative complaints, length of time until full function was regained, rate of referral to rehabilitation and the effect of Workers’ Compensation status. The surgical technique and rehabilitation protocol are described. The number and severity of postoperative complaints were significantly reduced in the short incision group. In the non-Workers’ Compensation group, 96% of short incision patients resumed full function within 28 days. This finding compares favourably with published results for endoscopic release, and is superior to results obtained with the long incision. Workers’ Compensation patients required longer to recuperate, with 78% regaining full function within 28 days. of those with Workers’ Compensation, 47% of the long incision group and 27% of the short incision group required out-patient therapy. for the non-Workers’ Compensation group, this percentage decreased to 21% of those with the long incision and 3% with the short incision. A history of vocational or avocational repetitive motion patterns was the most common indicator for therapy and accounted for 67% of rehabilitation referrals.