Carpal tunnel release: efficacy and recurrence rate after a limited incision release.

We retrospectively studied the postoperative outcomes of 51 patients treated for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome by method of a limited incision carpal tunnel release. Patients were assessed to determine: 1) palmar tenderness, 2) scar tenderness, 3) relief of symptoms, 4) complications, and 5) recurrence. Short-term follow-up included patient evaluations at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 10 weeks; a mean of 2.5 years of follow-up also was obtained. Postoperatively, nocturnal symptoms resolved by the 2-week visit. Palmar tenderness was noted as minimal or absent between the 4-week and 10-week visits in 47 of the 51 patients (92%). Symptom and function scores improved from 4.24 and 4.00 preoperatively to 1.18 and 1.19 postoperatively. At a mean of 2.5 years after surgery, none of the patients reported recurrent symptoms.