Open carpal tunnel release with a short palmar incision and no specialized instruments combined with a rehabilitation program for early return to activity

Abstract

Outcomes from surgical procedures are assessed by the extent to which symptoms are relieved and patients can resume the normal activities of daily living,including gainful employment.Optimally,surgery satisfies the criteria of the Three Es:it has a limited impact on health care resources and causes little disruption to human anatomic structures (economy); it consists of methods that can be performed competently,with few difficult surgical skills (efficiency);and it accomplishes its intended purpose,which is relief of symptoms and restoration of function (effectiveness). A simplified approach to open release of the carpal tunnel (OCTR), with a short palmar incision,satisfies these criteria. This approach is consistent with today's trend for minimally invasive surgical procedures. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.