The Chow technique of endoscopic release of the carpal ligament for carpal tunnel syndrome: four years of clinical results.

This article represents a review of the clinical results of 650 consecutive cases of carpal tunnel decompression in 456 patients from the first 4 years of endoscopic carpal tunnel release: 38% returned to normal activities within 1 week, 59% within 2 weeks, 73% within 3 weeks, and 84% within 4 weeks. A total of 98% returned to their normal activities. Also included is an analysis of the workmen's compensation and pinch-and-grip studies. The results of these studies appear to indicate that endoscopic release of the carpal ligament accomplishes results similar to the standard procedure with a more rapid recovery.