OBJECTIVE: To compare two incisions used for the surgical treatment of CTS: the classic longitudinal incision, over the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), and the mini-incision, at the wrist crease and near the proximal border of the TCL. METHODS: 47 patients from the Hand Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the Clínwica Traumato - Ortopédica Madureira are evaluated. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients (28 hands) treated by the classic incision. Group 2 consisted of 23 patients (28 hands), treated by the transverse mini-incision technique. Both groups were compared in relation to discomfort of the scar, presence or absence of "pillar" pain, and time elapsed before returning to daily activities or unrestricted work. RESULTS: There was prevalence of females (87.5% in Group 1; 91.3% in Group 2) and of electromyographic bilateral syndrome in both groups (75% patients of Group 1; 86% patients of Group 2). Scar discomfort and "pillar" pain were more frequent in Group 1, but there was no difference in the time elapsed before returning to work or daily activities between the groups. CONCLUSION: The mini-incision technique is a less invasive alternative, and enables complete release of the carpal tunnel, with less morbidity than classic longitudinal incision. Level of Evidence II, Therapeutic.
Carpal tunnel syndrome; Decompression, surgical; Prospective studies
