Endoscopic release of the carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome: Long-term results using the Chow technique

This report presents the author's experience with the Chow method for endos copic release of the carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome, with a min imum follow-up of 5 years. The report includes 116 cases (wrists) of 84 pat ients, The success rate for these cases is 93.3% and the recurrence rate is 0.96%. One temporary ulnar neuropraxia was reported in this group with spo ntaneous recovery There were no permanent nerve injuries. Results of 5-year follow-up nerve conduction velocity tests are also included. This report s hows that endoscopic release of the carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndr ome, using the Chow method, is a reliable alternative to the open procedure and has produced good, long-term, results.