Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is widely accepted as an effective surgical treatment method for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. While the short-term literature is well substantiated, the "long-term" literature has rarely exceeded 2 years of follow-up, which may be inadequate for a chronic and potentially recurring disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome.


METHODS
An English language literature search for long-term outcomes research on carpal tunnel release was made. Long-term is defined as 2 years or more after surgery.


RESULTS
CTR is a highly effective procedure, but important aspects remain poorly understood, including recurrence and existing electromyographic data. Some study design issues exist with the current literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Further high-quality research is needed.
['Louie|Dexter|D|', 'Earp|Brandon|B|', 'Blazar|Philip|P|']
Long-term outcomes Carpal tunnel syndrome Endoscopic carpal tunnel release Open carpal tunnel release