This paper aims to evaluate, by means of a randomized prospective clinical study, two distinct groups divided according to the surgical methodology applied. The first group (group A) was treated by endoscopic operation and the second (group B) one by open access. We evaluated 55 patients (57 wrists), 32 (56.0%) females and 25 (44,0%) males. The sample was composed by 36 (65.5%) Caucasian, 17 (30.9%) black and 2 (3.63%) Asian patients. The mean age was 34.75 years (minimum of 24 y.o. and maximum of 76 y.o.). Group A was composed by 30 (52.63%) wrists and group B by 27 (47.36%). All the patients were pre- and postoperatively evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery and the following parameters were considered: thenar muscle trophism, pain (analogical scale), sensibility with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, grip strength and finger pinch (with Jamar dynamometer). We did not find significant statistical differences regarding side, dominancy, hypotrophy, pain and strength. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney's test (p = 0.0178) showed that the group of patients submitted to endoscopic operation were able to resume professional the activities. Our study did not evidence, at the end of statistical analysis, statistically significant differences comparing the both methods of surgical treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome; Prospective studies; Postoperative care
