[Neurolysis of the median nerve in the carpal canal using a mini-invasive approach. Apropos of a prospective series of 138 cases]

Cost-Effectiveness of Sonography-Guided Surgery

Percutaneous carpal tunnel release (CTR) is a new surgical technique allowing to cut the transverse carpal ligament under sonography, without skin incision. The technique is safe, offers good functional results and early return to daily activities. This study investigates if percutaneous CTR is also cost-effective. Percutaneous CTR presents many advantages and may be safer than open and endoscopic CTR. This study could not demonstrate that it allows also cheaper surgery, at least as compared to open CTR. However, if it allows earlier return to work, percutaneous CTR could offer a major economic advantage over other techniques, particularly open surgery.

[Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial palmar arch, following endoscopic carpal tunnel release. A case report]

Pseudo-aneurysm of the superficial palmar arch following carpal tunnel release is exceptional and thus poorly reported. We present one observation, recorded on more than 1300 hands treated by endoscopic release using the "Chow" technique by a single surgeon. Ultra-sonography could be used in an attempt to locate the superficial palmar arch and thus prevent vascular damage at surgery.