Patient Outcomes With Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Endoscopic vs Open Carpal Tunnel Release: Comparison of Patient Satisfaction, Outcomes, and Complications

Although some surgeons prefer one technique rather than the other, both endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release procedures are accepted as standard of care surgeries to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. The investigator's research is designed to evaluate the significant difference in patient satisfaction between endoscopically-released wrists and open-released wrists. The goal of the study is to compare the two techniques using the following criteria:

1. Primary outcome: patient satisfaction via surveys used in prior publications
2. Secondary outcome: length of time to return to work
3. Secondary outcome: clinical data for recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome including a thorough physical exam and EMG's
4. Secondary outcome: complication rates

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients between the ages of 18 and 75
2. Documented clinical and electromyography (EMG) proven carpal tunnel syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome
2. Inflammatory arthropathy
3. Peripheral neuropathy
4. Diabetes
5. < 18 or > 75 years old
6. Pregnant at the time of enrollment