Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Retrospective Study of the Modified Okutsu Technique Using Glass Tubes

Hand Surgery ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 123-127
Author(s):  
TM Tsai ◽  
M. Favetto ◽  
R. Elluru
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Patient Questionnaire ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Glass Tubes

We evaluated 108 endoscopically assisted carpal tunnel releases in 90 patients in a retrospective study to determine the efficiency and safety of a modified Okutsu endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) technique. The modification consisted of the use of glass tubes 5, 7, and 9 mm in diameter and a sharp tipped hook knife. The results were evaluated using a patient questionnaire, time off from work, grip strength, and two point discrimination. Symptoms were resolved in 71% of the patients, improved in 19.4%, and not improved in 9.3%. In this series, 59 patients were gainfully employed: 84.7% returned to work, half within 2 weeks of surgery. Severe complications included one laceration of the ulnar nerve, and one neuroma in continuity of the median nerve. ECTR using this modification of Okutsu's technique is effective in the relief of symptoms and returning patients to work quickly.

scholarly journals Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A safe alternative method for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902199340
Author(s):  
Kotaro Sato ◽  
Kenya Murakami ◽  
Yoshikuni Mimata ◽  
Gaku Takahashi ◽  
Minoru Doita
Keyword(s):  
Learning Curve ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Open Surgery ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Safe Alternative ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Surgery ◽  
Conversion Rates

Purpose: Supraretinacular endoscopic carpal tunnel release (SRECTR) is a technique in which an endoscope is inserted superficial to the flexor retinaculum through a subcutaneous tunnel. The benefits of this method include a clear view for the surgeon and absence of median nerve compression. Surgeons can operate with a familiar view of the flexor retinaculum and median nerve downward, similar to open surgery. This study aimed to investigate the learning curve for SRECTR, an alternate method for carpal tunnel release, and evaluate its complications and the functional outcomes using a disposable commercial kit. Methods: We examined the open conversion rates and complications associated with SRECTR in 200 consecutive patients performed by two surgeons. We compared the operative time operated by a single surgeon. We evaluated outcomes in 191 patients according to Kelly’s grading system. Patients’ mean follow-up period was 12.7 months. Results: Nine patients required conversion to open surgery. There were no injuries to the nerves and tendons and no hematoma or incomplete dissection of the flexor retinaculum. The operative times varied between 11 and 34 minutes. We obtained the following results based on Kelly’s grading of outcomes: excellent in 116, good in 59, fair in 13, and poor in 3 patients. Conclusions: We found no patients with neurapraxia, major nerve injury, flexor tendon injury, superficial palmar arch injury, and hematoma. Although there was a learning curve associated with SRECTR, we performed 200 consecutive cases without neurovascular complications. This method may be a safe alternative to minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery.

scholarly journals Combined Cubital and Carpal Tunnel Release Results in Symptom Resolution Outside of the Median or Ulnar Nerve Distributions

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter C. Chimenti ◽  
Allison W. McIntyre ◽  
Sean M. Childs ◽  
Warren C. Hammert ◽  
John C. Elfar
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Patient Counseling ◽  
Symptom Resolution ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Validated Questionnaires

Background: Resolution of symptoms including pain, numbness, and tingling outside of the median nerve distribution has been shown to occur following carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that a similar effect would be found after combined release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with simultaneous release of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Methods: 20 patients with combined cubital and carpal tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. The upper extremity was divided into six zones and the location of pain, numbness, tingling, or strange sensations was recorded pre-operatively. Two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, and validated questionnaires were collected pre-operatively and at six-week follow-up. Results: Probability of resolution was greater in the median nerve distribution than the ulnar nerve for numbness (71% vs. 43%), tingling (86% vs. 75%). Seventy percent of the cohort reported at least one extra-anatomic symptom pre-operatively, and greater than 80% of these resolved at early follow-up. There was a decrease in pain as measured by validated questionnaires. Conclusion: This study documents resolution of symptoms in both extra-ulnar and extra-median distributions after combined cubital and carpal tunnel release. Pre-operative patient counseling may therefore include the likelihood of symptomatic improvement in a non-expected nerve distribution after this procedure, assuming no other concomitant pathology which may cause persistent symptoms. Future studies could be directed at correlating pre-operative disease severity with probability of symptom resolution using a larger population.

scholarly journals Aberrant Positioning of the Ulnar Nerve Found During Carpal Tunnel Release: A Case Report

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Veltre ◽  
Kelvin Naito ◽  
Xinning Li ◽  
Andrew B. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Distal Forearm ◽  
Anatomic Variations ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Iatrogenic Injuries ◽  
Flexor Retinaculum

Introduction: Aberrant positioning of the ulnar nerve volar to the transverse carpal ligament is a rare anatomic variation.Case Presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old female with unique ulnar nerve anatomy that was discovered introperatively during carpal tunnel release.  The ulnar nerve was running directly adjacent to the median nerve in the distal forearm and as the median nerve traversed dorsal to the transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) to enter the carpal tunnel the ulnar nerve continued directly volar to this structure before angling towards Guyon’s Canal.  The unique ulnar nerve anatomy was successfully identified, carefully dissected and managed with a successful patient outcome.Conclusion: Variations of the anatomy at the level of the carpal tunnel are rare but do exist.  Awareness of these anatomic variations and adequate visualization of the ulnar nerve along with the surrounding structures is crucial to avoid iatrogenic injuries during carpal tunnel release. 

ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE FOR RECURRENT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AFTER PREVIOUS OPEN RELEASE

Hand Surgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 235-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lam Chuan Teoh ◽  
Puay Ling Tan
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Open Release ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Endoscopic Release ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Surgical Release

Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome from various causes has been shown to occur in up to 19% of patients. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has been used to decompress the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome for many years. However, endoscopic release for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome after previous surgical release has not been reported. Nine hands in six patients had recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome five to 20 years after previous open carpal tunnel release. All the cases were successfully treated with endoscopic release.

Morphologic Analysis of the Carpal Tunnel and Median Nerve Following Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 155894471986171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blair R. Peters ◽  
Amanda M. Martin ◽  
Brett F. Memauri ◽  
Hardy W. Bock ◽  
Robert B. Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Open Release ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Endoscopic Release ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) has purported advantages over open release such as reduced intraoperative dissection and trauma and more rapid recovery. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has been shown to have comparable outcomes to open release, but open release is considered easier and safer to perform. Previous studies have demonstrated an increase in carpal tunnel volume, regardless of the technique used. However, the mechanism by which this volumetric increase occurs has been debated. Our study will determine through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis the morphologic changes that occur in both open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) and ECTR, thereby clarifying any morphologic differences that occur as a result of the 2 operative techniques. We hypothesize that there will be no morphologic differences between the 2 techniques. Methods: This was a prospective study to compare the postoperative anatomy of both techniques with MRI. Nineteen patients with clinical and nerve conduction study–confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome underwent either open or endoscopic release. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in all patients to examine the volume of the carpal tunnel, transverse distance, anteroposterior (AP) distance, divergence of tendons, and Guyon’s canal transverse and AP distance. Results: There was no significant difference in the postoperative morphology of the carpal tunnel and median nerve between OCTR and ECTR at 6-month follow-up on MRI. Conclusion: We conclude that there are no morphologic differences in OCTR and ECTR. It is an increase in the AP dimension that appears to be responsible for the increase in the volume of the carpal tunnel.

scholarly journals Report of a Transligamentous Ulnar Nerve Sensory Branch

Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. NP11-NP13
Author(s):  
Christina R. Vargas ◽  
Kyle J. Chepla
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Ulnar Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Anatomical Variation ◽  
Dominant Male ◽  
Transverse Carpal Ligament ◽  
Anatomical Variant ◽  
Motor Branch ◽  
Right Hand

Background: Several anatomical variations of the median nerve recurrent motor branch have been described. No previous reports have described the anatomical variation of the ulnar nerve with respect to transverse carpal ligament. In this article, we present a patient with symptomatic compression of the ulnar nerve found to occur outside the Guyon canal due to a transligamentous course through the distal transverse carpal ligament. Methods: A 59-year-old, right-hand-dominant male patient presented with right hand pain, subjective weakness, and numbness in both the ulnar and the median nerve distributions. Electromyography revealed moderate demyelinating sensorimotor median neuropathy at the wrist and distal ulnar sensory neuropathy. At the time of planned carpal tunnel and Guyon canal release, a transligamentous ulnar nerve sensory common branch to the fourth webspace was encountered and safely released. Results: There were no surgical complications. The patient’s symptoms of numbness in the median and ulnar nerve distribution clinically improved at his first postoperative visit. Conclusions: We have identified a case of transligamentous ulnar nerve sensory branch encountered during carpal tunnel release. To our knowledge, this has not been previously reported. While the incidence of this variant is unknown, hand surgeons should be aware of this anatomical variant as its location puts it at risk of iatrogenic injury during open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

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