Multistate Comparison of Cost,Trends, and Complications in Open Versus Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Background: Surgical carpal tunnel release is performed by either open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). The purpose of this study was to assess differences in intraoperative and postoperative complications, trends, and costs between OCTR and ECTR. Methods: State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD) files for California, Florida, and New Jersey were queried for patients who underwent OCTR and ECTR between 2000 and 2014. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and cost were compared between OCTR and ECTR. The frequency of each procedure was used to formulate trends in OCTR and ECTR. Results: A total of 571 403 patients were included in this study. Sex was significantly different by a small percentage (OCTR = 64.8% female, ECTR = 65.4% female). A higher proportion of Hispanic patients underwent ECTR (P < .001). The patients who underwent OCTR had a greater comorbidity burden in terms of diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis (P < .001). None of the aforementioned complication rates were statistically significant between the 2 procedures. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release was significantly more costly by almost $2000. Open carpal tunnel release has remained stable over the years studied, whereas ECTR increased 3-fold. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate no significant differences between OCTR and ECTR regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications and patient outcomes. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release was found to be significantly more costly.     

腕管综合征在内窥镜视下手术与常规手术的疗效比较

目的 对腕管综合征在内窥镜视下手术与常规手术的疗效进行比较。方法 内窥镜组４０例４４腕,常规手术组４０例４４腕。术前按滨田分类方法分为３类。两组分别在术后１个月、３个月、１２个月进行随访。根据Ｋｅｌｌｙ功能评定标准对各型进行功能评价。结果内窥镜组各型患者术后１个月时,功能恢复速度稍慢于常规手术组,３个月两后两组功能则完全相同。结论 两组的手术入路不同,但术后３个月时的疗效却相同。但内窥镜组具有皮     

A cost-utility analysis of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release

BACKGROUND

Open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) is the standard procedure for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. With the advent of minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) was introduced.

OBJECTIVE

To use a decision analytical model to compare ECTR with OCTR in an economic evaluation.

METHODS

Direct medical costs were obtained from a Canadian university hospital. Utility values obtained from experts, presented with carpal tunnel syndrome outcome health states, were transformed into quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The probabilities of the health states associated with both techniques were obtained from the literature.

RESULTS

The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was $124,311.32/QALY gained, providing strong evidence to reject ECTR when ECTR is performed in the main operating room and OCTR is performed in the day surgery unit. A one-way sensitivity analysis in the present study demonstrated that when both OCTR and ECTR are performed in day surgery unit, the ICUR falls in the ‘win-win’ quadrant, making ECTR both more effective and less costly than OCTR. If the scar tenderness probability is decreased in the ECTR group in a second one-way sensitivity analysis, the ICUR decreases to $100,621.91/QALY gained, providing evidence to reject ECTR. If the reflex sympathetic dystrophy probability is increased in the ECTR group in a third one-way sensitivity analysis, the ICUR increases to $202,657.88/QALY gained, providing strong evidence to reject ECTR.

CONCLUSIONS

There is still uncertainty associated with the costs and effectiveness of ECTR and OCTR. To obtain a definitive answer as to whether the ECTR is more effective than the OCTR, it is necessary to perform a large, randomized, controlled trial in which the utilities and resource use are measured prospectively.     

Ultrasound Evaluation for Incomplete Carpal Tunnel Release

Background: Ultrasound can provide evaluation of the anatomy of the carpal tunnel in a convenient, noninvasive office setting. This study is intended to determine the accuracy and diagnostic performance of ultrasound, used by surgeons, for the evaluation of completeness of carpal tunnel release (CTR). Methods: Ten cadaver arms underwent randomized sectioning of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the transverse carpal ligament. Following a brief training session, a blinded observer used ultrasound to evaluate the percentage of the transverse carpal ligament release. The release amount was then confirmed with an open exposure of the transverse carpal ligament. Results: Cronbach α and Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.92 and 0.87, demonstrating excellent reliability and validity of the technique. Diagnostic performance including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value was 100%, 75%, 86%, and 100%, respectively, for the diagnosis of incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament by a novice sonographer orthopedic surgeon. Conclusions: The ultrasound is a highly accurate tool for the diagnosis of incomplete transverse carpal ligament release and requires a minimal amount of training to use for this purpose. It provides a rapid means of diagnosing incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament following CTR.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome grading system in rheumatoid arthritis

The grading system of Hashizume and Hirooka for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was modified to refine the system for surgical treatment selection for specific subsets of CTS in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The grading system uses clinical signs and symptoms of CTS, including pain indications, to identify surgical subsets of patients to facilitate treatment selection. Retrospective analysis of the system included radiographic and electromyographic findings. Twenty-nine hands of 21 adult patients with CTS in RA were graded in the current study. Eight hands with mild synovitis received conservative treatment only. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR), using Okutsu's universal subcutaneous endoscopic system with a clear cannula, was performed in 11 hands with moderate synovitis. Open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) combined with flexor tenosynovectomy was performed in 9 hands with severe synovitis. One more hand required OCTR after ECTR when malignant RA was diagnosed. Clinical results, evaluated using Kelly's criteria, were: excellent in 19 hands, good in 5, fair in 4, and poor in the 1 patient with malignant RA. Clinical symptoms of CTS improved in all but the latter patient. Although the sample size in the current study is small, the results appear to warrant further study to determine the clinical utility of the grading system. Received: April 2, 2001 / Accepted: November 1, 2001     

感觉过敏型腕管综合征的治疗

目的 报道7例感觉过敏型腕管综合征的诊治特点.方法 收集与分析2002年3月至2005年3月间128例腕管综合征中感觉过敏型7例的病情及治疗特点.其中女性4例、男性3例.4例应用内镜治疗,3例切开治疗,经1～4年随访,平均随访时间1.5年.结果 内镜治疗中2例疗效差,均在术中插入扩张导管时出现异常疼痛,另外2例基本满意.3例切开治疗中,2例疗效差,1例基本满意.3例基本满意中,2例内镜插入导管时均未出现疼痛,另1例为单纯切断腕横韧带,并在神经外膜下注射激素.结论 感觉过敏型腕管综合征是一组特殊病例,保护神经外膜是治疗关键.     

Evaluation of Dynamic Carpal Arch Stability following Carpal Tunnel Release Using Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Introduction  This study aimed to assess the carpal arch dynamics during active finger and wrist motion following carpal tunnel release using four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT). Materials and Methods  Four patients who diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and underwent unilateral carpal tunnel release were prospectively included. 4D-CT of the bilateral wrists during active finger and wrist motion was performed for 10 seconds at five frames per second. The distances between the tip of tuberosity of the scaphoid and the volar ridge of the pisiform (S–P distance) and volar ridge of trapezium and the tip of hook of hamate (T–H distance) were measured at each position and the values of S–P and T–H distances were compared between the postoperative and contralateral wrists. Results  During finger motion, the S–P and T–H distances were not different at any position between the postoperative side and contralateral side. Conversely, S–P and T–H distances gradually increased in the postoperative wrists. The differences between the sides of S–P distance were significant, with >0 degrees of wrist extension, and differences of T–H distance were significant with >15 degrees of wrist extension. Conclusion  This study demonstrated the carpal arch dynamics using 4D-CT and revealed that the carpal arch was widened with the wrist in extension after carpal tunnel release. This study suggests that the transverse carpal ligament plays an important role in maintaining carpal arch stability.     

Factors associated with trigger digit following carpal tunnel release

BACKGROUND Trigger digit is a common disorder of the hand associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.Carpal tunnel release(CTR) surgery may be a risk factor for trigger digit development;however,the association between surgical approach to CTR and postoperative trigger digit is equivocal.AIM To investigate patient risk factors for trigger digit development following either open carpal tunnel release(OCTR) or endoscopic carpal tunnel release(ECTR).METHODS This retrospective chart analysis evaluated 967 CTR procedures from 694 patients for the development of postoperative trigger digit.Patients were stratified according to the technique utilized for their CTR,either open or endoscopic.The development of postoperative trigger digit was evaluated at three time points:within 6 mo following CTR,between 6 mo and 12 mo following CTR,and after 12 mo following CTR.Firth's penalized likelihood logistic regression was conducted to evaluate sociodemographic and patient comorbidities as potential independent risk factors for trigger digit.Secondary regression models were conducted within each surgical group to reveal any potential interaction effects between surgical approach and patient risk factors for the development of postoperative trigger digit.RESULTS A total of 47 hands developed postoperative trigger digit following 967 CTR procedures(4.9%).In total,64 digits experienced postoperative triggering.The long finger was most commonly affected.There was no significant difference between the open and endoscopic groups for trigger digit development at all three time points following CTR.Furthermore,there were no significant independent risk factors for postoperative trigger digit;however,within group analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between gender and surgical approach(P=0.008).Females were more likely to develop postoperative trigger digit than males after OCTR(OR=3.992),but were less likely to develop postoperative trigger digit than males after ECTR(OR=0.489).CONCLUSION Patient comorbidities do not influence the development of trigger digit following CTR.Markedly,gender differences for postoperative trigger digit may depend on surgical approach to CTR.     

A Controlled Trial Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Looped Thread Carpal Tunnel Release

Background: Open carpal tunnel release typically requires several weeks of recovery. A less invasive, ultrasound-guided percutaneous technique of releasing the transverse carpal ligament using a thread (thread carpal tunnel release [TCTR]) has been described. To date, its clinical effectiveness and safety have been evaluated exclusively by the group that developed the technique, using a single outcome measure without a control comparison. The objective of this study was to independently evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TCTR using multiple outcome measures and a control comparison. Methods: A convenience sample of 20 participants with refractory moderate or severe carpal tunnel syndrome underwent TCTR of their most symptomatic hand. Outcome measures included pre-TCTR and 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-TCTR Boston questionnaire; pre-, 3-, and 6-month post-TCTR monofilament sensibility, strength, ultrasound, and electrodiagnostic testing; weekly post-TCTR phone interviews for 1 month; and satisfaction surveys at 3 and 6 months post-TCTR. Results: No complications were reported. During the month post-TCTR, significant prompt improvements in hand pain and dysfunction occurred. The following significant improvements were demonstrated in the treated versus control hand: Boston Questionnaire scores, median nerve distal motor latency, transcarpal tunnel motor and sensory conduction velocities and sensory nerve action potential amplitudes. No significant differences in sensibility, pinch or grip strength, median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at the carpal tunnel inlet, or wrist: forearm median nerve CSA ratio were documented between TCTR and control sides. Satisfaction with the TCTR procedure was high (85%-90%). Conclusions: This study supports previous reports that the TCTR procedure is safe and effective.     

Effectiveness and safety of endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel decompression

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) using a meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

Materials and methods

Electronic searches of the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, Issue 11 of 12, Nov 2012), PUBMED (1980 to Dec 2012), and EMBASE (1980 to Dec 2012) were used to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated endoscopic vs open methods for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies to be used were independently identified by two researchers. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias.

Results

Fifteen randomized controlled trials involving 1,596 hands were included. Based on the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias, four studies were rated as high quality, five studies were rated as moderate quality, and six were rated as low quality. Our meta-analysis indicated that ECTR resulted in better recovery of pinch strength, earlier time of return to work, but a higher rate of reversible nerve problems (including neurapraxia and numbness) than OCTR. ECTR also resulted in a lower rate of irreversible nerve damage (P > 0.05), wound problems (including wound infection, wound hematoma and wound dehiscence) and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (P > 0.05) compared with OCTR. Our meta-analysis revealed no obvious statistical differences in relief of symptoms (pain and paraesthesia), recovery of grip strength and reoperation rate.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials demonstrated that ECTR and OCTR were similar in relief of symptoms, but ECTR resulted in better recovery of function and earlier return to work and was safer than OCTR.     

The Modified Ultrasound-Guided Distal-to-Proximal Carpal Tunnel Injection With Median Nerve Hydrodissection: A Retrospective Safety Review of 827 Procedures

Objective: The aim of this report is to describe a new ultrasound guided technique for carpal tunnel injection and median nerve hydrodissection using distal to proximal approach. Methods: From 2015 to 2019, 827 consecutive injections by distal-to-proximal approach were included using coding information to check for post-procedural skin hypopigmentation, hematoma, seroma, nerve injury, or vascular injury. Results: There were no occurrences of post-procedural skin-hypopigmentation, hematoma or seroma formation, or neurovascular injury. Conclusions: The distal approach carpal tunnel injection is a safe and effective method. It may directly inject the medication into carpal tunnel to avoid skin hypopigmentation from steroid side effect with previous report method, also it may release adhesion of median nerve with surrounding soft tissue by hydrodissection. It helps median nerve compression at outlet of carpal tunnel.     

内窥镜下松解腕管综合征的神经并发症

目的 报道内窥镜治疗腕管综合征时引起神经损伤的原因。方法 1997年至2003年，应用内窥镜治疗腕管综合征136例。对其中2例在内窥镜术后发生并发症的患者，在直视下再次进行手术探查，以明确神经损伤的部位及性质，并探讨引起神经损伤的原因。结果 1例正中神经在腕管内与腕横韧带粘连，在切断腕横韧带时同时损伤相连的正中神经外膜与部分束膜。经神经外膜松解后症状缓解。另1例正中神经掌皮支起始部发生变异，在内窥镜插入腕上切口处，直接损伤该皮支；经神经松解后症状缓解。结论 内窥镜治疗腕管综合征，通常是安全有效的。但在解剖变异及内窥镜下手术有困难时，易发生神经损伤，再次进行手术松解，症状缓解。     

Carpal tunnel release. A prospective,randomised study of endoscopic versus limited-open methods

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has the advantage over open release of reduced tissue trauma and postoperative morbidity. Limited open carpal tunnel release has also been shown to have comparable results, but is easier to perform and is safer. We have compared the results of both techniques in a prospective, randomised trial. Thirty patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome had simultaneous bilateral release. The technique of release was randomly allocated to either two-portal endoscopic release (ECTR) or limited open release using the Strickland instrumentation (LOCTR). The results showed that the outcome was similar at follow-up of one year using both techniques. However, the LOCTR group had significantly less tenderness of the scar at the second and fourth postoperative week (p < 0.01). There was also less thenar and hypothenar (pillar) pain after LOCTR. Subjective evaluation showed a preference for LOCTR.     

内镜下腕管松解术与常规腕管切开松解术治疗腕管综合征的Meta分析

目的对内镜下腕管松解术（endoscopic carpal tunnel release,ECTR）和常规腕管切开松解术（open carpal tunnelrelease,OCTR）治疗腕管综合征的疗效进行系统评价。方法按照Cohrane系统评价的方法,计算机检索MEDLINE（1966年~2010年3月）、EMBASE（1966年~2010年3月）、Cochrane图书馆（2010年1月）及中国生物医学文献数据库（1979年~2009年12月）,并手工检索相关的中英文骨科杂志。收集所有相关的随机对照试验,并评价纳入研究的方法学质量,采用Cochrane协作网提供的软件Revman4.2.2进行Meta分析,以获得ECTR与OCTR治疗腕管综合征的疗效及其安全性是否有差异的相关证据。结果共纳入8个随机对照试验进行评价,Meta分析显示,ECTR组与OCTR组的术后并发症发生率、主观满意率、手术时间及术后手握力和捏力功能恢复差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;ECTR组术后疼痛发生率和恢复工作时间显著低于OCTR组（P〈0.05）。结论与OCTR相比,ECTR可降低腕管综合征的术后疼痛发生率,缩短恢复工作时间;2种手术方式术后并发症发生率、主观满意度、手术时间、术后握力与捏力无统计学差异。因研究质量及样本的局限性,2种手术方法与手术时间和手功能的关系有待于进一步研究。     

内镜在腕管综合征治疗中的应用选择

目的探讨内镜治疗腕管综合征（carpal tunnel syndrome,CTS）的病例选择。方法2004年7月～2007年9月,用内镜技术治疗21例（24腕）CTS。手术在局麻下进行,距腕横纹近侧3cm处掌长肌腱尺侧横切口1cm,前臂筋膜深层分离将专用外套管置入腕管,在内镜监视下用专用钩刀切断腕横韧带。术后1、2、3、5个月随访。结果术后5个月时按Kelly法疗效评级：优11例;良6例;一般2例（3腕）;差2例。其中疗效差1例于内镜术后7个月行传统开放手术神经干束间松解而缓解,1例存在明显的手指皮肤痛觉过敏并皮肤干燥等交感神经症状而继续保守治疗。结论按如下原则选择内镜处理或开放手术治疗CTS：①特发性病例内镜处理;继发性病例开放手术,如类风湿关节炎所致的滑膜增生肿胀,腕内骨折后畸形,腕管内肿瘤、囊肿、炎症、痛风,神经干自身病变等。②拇指对掌功能有障碍及晚期CTS选择开放手术。③老年患者（〉60岁）优先考虑开放手术;年轻、有较高职业和外观要求的患者可以优先考虑内镜治疗。     

Current Approaches for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

With advancement in biomechanical and biological research on idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, the insight on the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome has gained much clinical relevance. Open carpal tunnel release is still a gold standard procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome, which has evolved into mini-open procedure with development of new devices. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has become popular in recent practice of hand surgery with an advantage of early recovery of hand function with minimal morbidity. However, endoscopic carpal tunnel release has its own limitation such as long learning curve with obvious surgical risk reported in the literature. In this review article, various treatment protocols for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome are presented with special highlight on endoscopic carpal tunnel release, which is gaining popularity in current practice.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Unusual contraindications to endoscopic release

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has become an increasingly popular method of surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Consequently, the contraindications to this technically challenging procedure continue to evolve. We describe two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and unusual anomalies and pathology of the hook of the hamate that we believe represent relative or absolute contraindications to endoscopic carpal tunnel release.     

Comparison of postoperative pain after open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A randomized controlled study

Background:

Results of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery were compared with many studies done previously. To the best of our knowledge, difference in pain after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has not been objectively documented in literature. The aim of the study was to compare the pain intensity in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing OCTR versus those undergoing ECTR.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into two groups using “random number generator” software (Research Randomizer, version 3.0); endoscopic surgery group [(21 female, 1 male; mean age 49 years (range 31–64 years)] and open surgery group [(25 female, 3 male; mean age 45.1 years (range 29–68 years)] and received carpal tunnel release. Surgery was performed under regional intravenous anesthesia. The patients’ pain level was assessed at the 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th, and 24^th postoperative hours using a visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Results:

Mean age, gender and duration of symptoms were found similar for both groups. Boston functional scores were improved for both groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Pain assessment at the postoperative 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 24^th hours revealed significantly low VAS scores in the endoscopic surgery group (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Need for analgesic medication was significantly lower in the endoscopic surgery group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an effective treatment method in carpal tunnel release vis-a-vis postoperative pain relief.     

内窥镜下治疗腕管综合征89例报告

目的 :探讨应用内窥镜技术治疗腕管综合征 (ECTR) ,从腕管内切断腕管横韧带 ,解除其对正中神经压迫的手术方法及技巧。并对其术后疗效进行分析 ,介绍内窥镜下治疗腕管综合征的经验与疗效。方法 :局部麻醉 ,皮肤 1cm切口 ,在内窥镜下切断腕管横韧带。松解受压的正中神经。据Kelly疗效评定标准 ,对其术后疗效进行分析评价。结果 :临床应用 165例 192腕 ,手术时间平均 10min ,出血少 ,术后随访 89例 98腕 ,优 73腕 ;良 2 0腕 ;一般 3例 ;差 2例 ,其中 2例发生术后正中神经粘连 ,行 2次手术。结论 :内窥镜技术治疗腕管综合征 (ECTR)皮肤切口小 ,组织创伤轻 ,手术时间短 ,术后不需石膏外固定 ,不残留手术瘢痕。注意手术适应证 ,是一种安全有效的微创手术方法。     

Palmaris profundus tendon prohibiting endoscopic carpal tunnel release: case report

Palmaris profundus is an aberrant muscle of forearm and wrist anatomy. It has no discernible function, but its tendon has been implicated as a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Previously, all cases of palmaris profundus in the literature have been encountered during either open surgery or cadaveric dissection. We report a case of palmaris profundus encountered during attempted single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release, necessitating conversion to an open approach. There was a unique point of tendon insertion onto the undersurface of the transverse carpal ligament, more proximal than what has been previously described in the literature. There were other anomalies present as well, including a persistent median artery and bifid median nerve. Given the volar position of the structure, its proximal point of insertion, and its minimal bulk, we did not feel that this was the cause of our patient's carpal tunnel syndrome.