Results of 1236 endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedures using the Brown technique.

In a series of 1236 patients who underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel releases using the two-portal Brown technique, the results were favorable in 98%, the failure rate was 2%, the instance of iatrogenic injury was 0.08% (one tendon injury), and the overall complication rate was 0.97%. The patients had resolution of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in an average of 14 days and returned to work in an average of 15 days. Recurrence rate to date has been 2%, with the longest follow-up of 30 months. These results indicate that this is a safe and efficacious method of treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome who require surgery.