수근관증후군을 위한 이중 최소 절개 감압술: 개방적 감압술 기법에 대한 비교 연구

Purpose: A minimally invasive surgical technique has been introduced to treat carpal tunnel syndrome that causes less pain, minimal scaring, and a rapid recovery. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the double minimal incision release compared with the open surgery technique. Methods: A study was performed on 175 cases in 111 patients who were operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome from January 2010 to December 2014. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to the type of surgical technique: 82 cases underwent standard open surgery in group A and 93 cases underwent double minimal incision release in group B. Grip strength and postoperative pain were evaluated 4 and 8 weeks and 6 and 12 months after surgery, and the period of numbness and time needed to resume normal activities were investigated. Results: Group B patients showed better outcomes during the 2 first months after surgery than those of group A patients in numbness, pain, stiffness (p<0.05), less scar pain and tenderness (p<0.001), and shorter time needed to resume normal activities. However, no differences in these parameters were observed between the 2 groups after 6 months (p>0.05). Conclusion: Double minimal incision release offered better clinical outcomes until 2 months after surgery compared to the standard open surgery technique and reduced incipient postoperative pain and allowed for earlier resumption of normal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]