Brief

Scholten          Cochrane review                       2003

Title

Surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome

Author

Scholten RJPM, Gerritsen AAM, Uitdehaag BMJ, van Geldere D, de Vet HCW, Bouter LM.

Reference

          
            The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2003
          
          
            
          
        

Summary

9 ECTR (single- or double-portal) vs OCTR: equally effective, ECTR return to work/ADL approx 15d sooner, ECTR more transient nerve problems, OCTR more wound problems.

3 limited OCTR vs standard OCTR: equally effective, 2 showed sl incr scar tenderness

4 OCTR vs additional neurolysis/epineurotomy: no difference

Critique

          
            Pooling impeded by the vast variety of outcome measures and insufficient data. Essentially qualitative review.
          
          
            
          
        

Take home message

No strong evidence that alternative surgical procedures (ECTR, neurolysis or limited OCTR) are superior to standard OCTR.

Brief

Kitsis                 Acta Orthop Belg                      2002

Title

          
            Carpal tunnel syndrome despite negative neurophysiological studies.
          
          
            
          
        

Author