Compare open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery — recovery time, scar size, outcomes, and which technique is right for you.
A 2-3cm incision in the palm gives the surgeon direct visualization of the transverse carpal ligament and median nerve. This is the traditional technique used for over 50 years. Best for: Revision surgery, suspected masses, rheumatoid arthritis with synovitis. Recovery: 3-6 weeks to return to work. Pillar pain may last 2-3 months.
One or two 1cm incisions allow a camera-guided blade to cut the ligament from inside the tunnel. Best for: Patients who need fastest return to work, manual laborers, bilateral cases. Recovery: 1-3 weeks to return to work. Less pillar pain.
Both have excellent long-term outcomes. Choose based on your surgeon's experience and your recovery needs. The surgeon's volume matters more than the technique.
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