Purpose: This study evaluated the reliability and morbidity rate of carpal tunnel release with the Indiana Tome technique via a small palmar incision when used by experienced hand surgeons.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 1332 carpal tunnel releases using the Indiana Tome performed by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons at university hospitals from July 1993 to August 2006. Chart review focused on complications with this technique.
Results: All patients returned to preoperative activities, in employment or otherwise. Nonmanual laborers resumed regular job tasks between 2 days and 3 weeks. The 2 surgeons experienced 11 complications in 1332 cases, for an overall complication rate of 0.83%. The most common complication, in 8 cases, was numbness and hypersensitivity in the third common digital nerve distribution; 2 of these 8 patients had normal 2-point discrimination and the other 6 had persistently 2-point discrimination greater than 10 mm despite resolution of preoperative paresthesia symptoms. In the latter group, 3 patients had repeat exploration, with findings of fascicular injury and scarring in 2 patients and normal nerve in the third (who ultimately had normalized 2-point discrimination by 6 weeks after surgery). The 3 patients without re-exploration had their 2-point discrimination returned to normal by 11 months after surgery. Ultimately, only 2 patients (0.15%) had persistently increased 2-point discrimination. The remaining complications (3 cases) were transient neuropraxia of the entire median nerve (1 patient), an incomplete release (1 patient) requiring repeat surgery, and a recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (1 patient) with perineural scar noted at 8 months after surgery, treated successfully with a hypothenar fat pad flap.
Conclusions: This is the largest retrospective review of the Indiana Tome technique to date. This technique can be used by experienced hand surgeons and offers early resumption of preoperative activities and a low complication rate. The most common complication was neurapraxia in the third common digital nerve distribution. The overall complication rate was 0.83% (11 in 1332).
Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.