Carpal tunnel syndrome: treatment with small transverse incision.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the application of a limited transverse incision technique to treat the carpal tunnel syndrome, with concern to its safety and efficacy in the opening of the flexor retinaculum (FR). METHOD A prospective analysis of thirty FR release procedures performed on twenty-eight patients subjected to the proposed incision technique. Safety and total opening of the FR were evaluated through a questionnaire and an endoscopic inspection respectively. RESULTS No major complications were observed. Two cases presented small local hematoma. One patient presented with transient neuropraxia of digital branch. In two of the first five cases, incomplete FR opening was identified during endoscopic revision with need of complementary opening. All patients reported relief of paresthesias and nocturnal pain symptoms. CONCLUSION The technique was safely performed on the prospection group, no major complications were detected and the opening of FR was observed in the majority of the patients.