PROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 278 ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL-TUNNEL RELEASES USING THEMODIFIED CHOW TECHNIQUE

The results of 278 endoscopic carpal tunnel releases using the extrabu rsal dual portal Chow technique were analyzed prospectively. The major ity of patients were pain free by the 57th postoperative day. The peri operative complication rate was 1.7%. The late complication rate was 2 .8%. Two cases were converted to open carpal tunnel release. The avera ge time to return to full-duty work was 65 days in those patients cove red by worker's compensation, whereas it was 21 days in the privately insured (non-worker's compensation) patients. The endoscopic release o f the transverse carpal ligament is an effective technique for the tre atment of carpal tunnel syndrome with a low complications rate. Return to full employment requires more time in those patients covered by wo rker's compensation.