Long-term outcomes following single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Background: There is limited published information about long-term outcomes and recurrence rates following single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Methods: We reviewed symptom and function outcomes from a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release at a minimum of 8 years follow-up. Out of 207 patients in the original database, we were able to confirm correct current contact information for 106 patients. Of these, 91 patients with 115 single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel releases agreed to participate. All of these patients were eligible for this long-term follow-up study based on documented preoperative and 6-month postoperative Levine-Katz questionnaire scores. Patients then completed a current update of the Levine-Katz questionnaires to assess function and symptom outcomes at latest follow-up.

Results: The average 6-month postoperative scores were significantly lower compared with the average preoperative scores and were maintained at long-term follow-up. There were no significant differences in average change in scores at long-term follow-up compared to 6-months postoperative.

Conclusions: Single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release is an effective surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Low recurrence rates and maintenance of low symptom and function scores can be expected at 8 to 10 years following this technique.