[Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: long-term results].

Introduction: Based on the literature data in the last ten years the endoscopic carpal tunnel release seems to be an advantageous alternative method in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Aims: Based on minimum 5 year follow-up the authors report the long-term results of endoscopic surgery introduced since 1993.
Patients and Methods: On 46 hand of 42 patients endoscopic procedure was performed. Thirty-two patients returned to follow-up, they filled out questionnaire, underwent physical examination and 15 patients had electrophysiological test.
Results: Twenty-eight patients were without any complaints and symptoms, 3 patients had thenar atrophy. One patient was reoperated on because of residual symptoms. The authors make a comparison between their data and the great experienced Chow's results and they review the literature data of open procedure.
Conclusions: They conclude that the long-term results of the endoscopic surgery are similar to the outcome of the open procedures. The electrophysiologic tests have not always any relationship with the patient's complaints and symptoms.