Comparing open conventional carpal tunnel release with mini-incision technique in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A non-randomized clinical trial

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy which is the result of the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Currently, there is no consensus about the best treatment option. The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing open CT release with mini-incision CT release. This clinical trial included 75 patients with CTS who were divided into two groups of 45 and 30 patients to undergo open-CT release or mini incision CT release respectively. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively, days after the surgery and then five months after the operation to record outcomes. At follow-up, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, patients’ satisfaction, return to work, length of scar, paresthesia, grip and opposition strength were measured. A total of 75 patients (mean age: 52.13 years, 73.3% female) underwent CTS surgery. Forty-five patients (60%) had open-CT release and 30 patients (40%) had mini-incision CT release. Postoperative pain and scar length were significantly lower in the mini incision group compared to open group (p