Percutaneous ultrasound guided Carpal Tunnel Release - study upon clinical efficacy and safety
Objectives:
To evaluate the feasibility and 6 months clinical result of sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and median nerve decompression after ultra-minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release (PCTR) surgery.
Methods:
Consecutive patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were enrolled in this descriptive, open-label study. The procedure was performed in the interventional radiology room. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed at baseline and 1 month. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was administered at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months.
Results:
129 patients were enrolled. Significant decreases in mean symptom severity scores (3.3±0.7 at baseline, 1.7±0.4 at Month 1, 1.3±0.3 at Month 6) and mean functional status scores (2.6±1.1 at baseline, 1.6±0.4 at Month 1, 1.3±0.5 at Month 6) were noted. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a complete section of all TCL and nerve decompression in 100% of patients. No complications were identified.
Conclusions:
Ultrasound-guided PCTR was used successfully to section the TCL, decompress the median nerve, and reduce self-reported symptoms.