ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL-TUNNEL RELEASE IN CADAVERA - AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RESULTS OF 12 SURGEONS WITH THIS TRAINING MODEL

Endoscopic carpal-tunnel releases were performed, with use of the two- portal technique described by Chow on twenty-four fresh or fresh-froze n wrist specimens from cadavera. Twelve surgeons were taught the techn ique in the cadaver model by an experienced colleague. Nine surgeons p erformed one endoscopic carpal-tunnel release; three performed three o r more. Incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament was noted in nine specimens (38 per cent). The percentage of incomplete release s was the same for both the surgeons who performed one endoscopic carp al-tunnel release and those who performed three or more. Complications occurred in four specimens (17 per cent) and included lacerations of an ulnar artery and a median nerve, partial laceration of a flexor ten don, and a fracture of the hook of the hamate. The observed complicati ons and incomplete releases of the transverse carpal ligament in this training model emphasize the risks that may occur when a surgeon is fi rst learning this procedure.