Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Hook Knife through a Small Transverse Carpal Incision: Technique and Outcome

BACKGROUND: Compared to the classic open technique, limited exposure techniques have the advantages of less scar pain, more grip and pinch strength, and earlier return to daily life. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of our novel method of minimally invasive carpal tunnel release using a hook knife through a small transverse carpal incision. METHODS: This study included 111 carpal tunnel decompressions in 78 patients who underwent carpal tunnel release from January 2017 to December 2018. We performed carpal tunnel release using a hook knife through a small transverse incision just proximal to the wrist crease under local infiltration of lidocaine with tourniquet inflation in the upper arm. All patients were tolerable during the procedure and discharged following the procedure on the same day. RESULTS: At an average of 29.4 months of follow-up (range, 12–51 months), all but one patient (99%) revealed complete or near complete symptomatic recovery. The average of the symptom severity score on the Boston questionnaire was 1.31 ± 0.30 and the average of the functional status score was 1.19 ± 0.26. The final mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) score was 8.66 (range, 2–39). There was no superficial palmar arch injury or nerve injury of the palmar cutaneous branch, recurrent motor branch, or median nerve itself as a complication of the procedure. No patient showed any wound infection or wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Our carpal tunnel release using a hook knife through a small transverse carpal incision performed by an experienced surgeon is a safe and reliable method that is expected to have the benefits of simplicity and minimal invasiveness.