# Clinical Outcomes of Transverse Mini-Port Incision Versus Conventional Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomized Comparative Analysis of Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

## TL;DR

This study compares a new wrist incision method for carpal tunnel surgery with the traditional approach, finding faster recovery and less short-term pain.

## Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a transverse mini-port incision for carpal tunnel release as a novel alternative to conventional methods.

## Key findings

- Patients with the transverse mini-port incision returned to daily activities earlier.
- Short-term scar tenderness was significantly lower in the transverse mini-port group.
- Long-term outcomes showed no significant difference between the two methods.

## Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is conventionally performed with a longitudinal mid-palmar incision, but it is reported to have incision-related complications. Various modifications, including endoscopic CTR and several mini-incision methods, have been described to reduce these complications. However, the literature on a transverse wrist crease incision is rare. Here, we describe a CTR method using a transverse mini-port incision, initially employed as a port for endoscopic CTR. This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the transverse mini-port incision CTR and compare its outcomes with those of the conventional open method.

Materials and methods: The study includes 60 upper limbs operated with either the conventional open method (Group A, n = 30) or the transverse mini-port incision method (Group B, n = 30) at a tertiary teaching hospital between January 2015 and December 2016. The patients were assessed and compared using the Levine Score, Scar Tenderness VAS Score, and Pillar Pain VAS Score on the seventh day, at six weeks, at 26 weeks, and at 36 weeks, along with return to activities postoperatively.

Results: The return to daily activities was earlier in Group B. There was significantly less scar tenderness in Group B on the seventh day and six weeks postoperatively; however, long-term follow-up showed no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions: The transverse mini-port incision is a safe and beneficial alternative to conventional open CTR. For patients who are concerned about aesthetic results and early return to work, it may be a simple, safe, and inexpensive alternative to other mini-incision methods.