Mini-open versus conventional open carpal tunnel release: A detailed comparison of efficacy, feasibility, and complications

Authors

  • Uğur Onur Kasman Bahcesehir University, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
  • Sevtap Acer Kasman
  • Zeynep Tuba Bahtiyarca
  • Erbil Aydın

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54029/2025exf

Keywords:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Median Nerve, Minor Surgical Procedure, Decompression, Electrophysiology, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Knifelight

Abstract

Backgrounds: In surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, both conventional open carpal tunnel release technique (COT) and mini-open technique with KnifeLight (MOT-K) are effective and safe. However, there is a need for a detailed study comparing outcome, feasibility, complications, and time to return to daily activities/work, supported by itemized electrophysiological evidence.

Methods: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were enrolled into COT and MOT-K groups. Preoperative and postoperative characteristics such as Boston Symptom Severity Scale, Boston Functional Status Scale, patient global assessment, physical examination findings, grip strength, and electrophysiological findings were compared between groups. Groups were also compared in terms of duration of the procedure, incision length, time to return to daily activities and work, edema, scar tenderness, scar hypertrophy, pillar pain, and patient satisfaction.

Results: There were no differences in demographics and baseline clinical and electrophysiological characteristics between patients undergoing COT or MOT-K procedures. Both groups showed significant postoperative improvements in terms of symptoms and functional scores. In terms of electrophysiological parameters, improvements in distal motor latency were observed in both groups and in sensory amplitudes only in the MOT-K group. The MOT-K group had a shorter operation time, a shorter incision length, and a faster return to daily activities and work. The incidence of oedema, scar tenderness, and scar hypertrophy was also lower in the MOT-K group.

Conclusions: Although both COT and MOT-K have similar efficacy, MOT-K seems more advantageous in terms of minor complications and return to daily activities/work.

Published

2025-06-27

Issue

Section

Original Article