RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME USING TWO VARIATIONS OF OPEN TECHNIQUE

Transverse carpal ligament (TCL) opening is the treatment of choice for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, complications such as loss of grip strength and anterior displacement of the median nerve are described as common complications associated with this technique. Thus, techniques that reconstruct or extend TCL are described to reduce the incidence of these complications. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of TCL enlargement through Z-plasty and the reduction of complications by comparing it with the complete opening of the ligament. Materials and Methods: A prospective and randomized intervention study was conducted in 56 patients. They were divided into 2 groups: 1) complete opening of TCL 2) TCL enlargement via Z-plasty. We evaluated grip strength, sensitivity, and functional evaluation using the QuickDASH questionnaire. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of scores with QuickDASH between the two techniques. The sensitivity test was better in patients subjected to TCL enlargement, whereas grip strength increased in the group subjected to complete TCL opening. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the complete opening of the TCL showed no reduction in grip strength, although it showed inferior recovery to postoperative sensitivity. Both techniques were equivalent in functional improvement. Thus, Z-plasty showed no identifiable benefits for TCL enlargement. Level of Evidence III, Randomized Clinical Trial.