Early outcome and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: a randomized prospective trial

Saw, N. L., Jones, S., Shepstone, L., Meyer, M., Chapman, P. G. and Logan, A. M. (2003) Early outcome and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release: a randomized prospective trial. Journal of Hand Surgery-British, 28 (5). pp. 444-449.

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Proponents of endoscopic carpal tunnel release have been advocating the technique for more than 10 years but there is still debate about its efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness. We have performed a randomized, prospective, blind trial to compare early outcome after single portal endoscopic or open carpal tunnel surgery and to assess the cost-effectiveness of the procedures. There were no significant differences in symptom and functional activity scores, grip strength or anterior carpal pain in the first 3 months. For those in employment, we found a statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups with the endoscopic group returning to work, on average, 8 (95% CI, 2–13 days) days sooner than the open group. This translates into a cost saving to industry. There were no major neurovascular complications in either group. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that endoscopic carpal tunnel release should be considered in the employed as a cost-effective procedure, but perhaps not in the general population as a whole.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Clinical Trials Unit Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Services and Primary Care Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:10
Last Modified:	03 Jun 2024 10:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/13631
DOI:	10.1016/S0266-7681(03)00097-4

Actions (login required)

View Item