Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A prospective study of complications and surgical experience

Agee, John M.; Peimer, Clayton A.; Pyrek, Janine D.; Walsh, William E.

doi:10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80001-2

Next »Journal of Hand Surgery
Volume 20, Issue 2 , Pages 165-171, March 1995

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A prospective study of complications and surgical experience

John M. Agee
- Sacramento, CA, USA
- Reprint requests: John M. Agee, MD, 77 Scripps Drive, Suite 101, Sacramento, CA 95825.
- From Hand Biomechanics Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomechanical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, and Medical Products Group, 3M Health Care, St. Paul, MN.
- One or more of the authors have received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Clayton A. Peimer
- Sacramento, CA, USA
- From Hand Biomechanics Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomechanical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, and Medical Products Group, 3M Health Care, St. Paul, MN.
- One or more of the authors have received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Janine D. Pyrek
- Buffalo, NY, USA
- From Hand Biomechanics Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomechanical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, and Medical Products Group, 3M Health Care, St. Paul, MN.
- One or more of the authors have received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
William E. Walsh
- Buffalo, NY, USA
- From Hand Biomechanics Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, Division of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomechanical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, and Medical Products Group, 3M Health Care, St. Paul, MN.
- One or more of the authors have received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.

Received 26 November 1993; accepted 27 September 1994.

A 63-center prospective study of endoscopic carpal tunnel release using the Agee Carpal Tunnel Release System was conducted in 1049 procedures in 988 patients. Prior experience with endoscopic release varied significantly among surgeon participants. Surgeons evaluated the newly redesigned system for blade visibility, blade height, and mechanical function. Data on patient complications were collected at the time of surgery and 3–4 weeks postoperative. The results indicated minimal complications and no confirmed injuries to vessels or nerves; the symptoms from one possible digital nerve injury eventually resolved completely. Surgeons were able to observe the point of entry of the blade into the transverse caral ligament in 97.5% of procedures. Introduction of the blade assembly into the carpal tunnel was rated easy or adequate in 90.6% of procedures, and blade height was rated adequate in 97.4% of procedures.

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