Abstract: Objective: Surgical release provides immediate pain relief in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome not responding to the conservative management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release (PCTR) and 3 months clinical results of sectioning of transverse carpal ligament and median nerve decompression after ultrasound guided PCTR surgery.
Methods: This was a prospective study of 30 patients with the carpal tunnel syndrome conducted between May 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, with the follow-up period of 3 months. The Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire was administered at baseline, 1 and 3 months after release.
Results: Our study included 13 males and 17 females, with the right side being more commonly affected in 18 individuals. The mean age of the patients was 48.4 ranging from 33 to 70 years. The average time taken for the surgery was 6.3 minutes ranging from 4 to 9 minutes. The scar lengths varied from 3.0 mm to 6.0mm. The BCTQ symptom severity score was decreased from a mean score of 3.4 preoperatively to 1.3 at 3 months postoperatively. The functional status scores were decreased from a mean of 3.2 preoperatively to 1.2 at 3 months after release. The mean VAS score was 7.3 before release was improved to 1.2 at 1 month after release. MRI showed a complete section of TCL in all patients and nerve decompression in 100% of patients. No complications were noted.
Conclusion: Percutaneous ultrasound guided carpal tunnel release can be safely used to section the TCL, decompress the median nerve, and reduce self-reported symptoms.
