1. Amadio, P.C., Silverstein, M.D., Ilstrup, D.M., “Outcome assessments for carpal tunnel surgery.” JHS, 1996; 21A: 338-346.
2. Clayburgh, R.H., Beckenbaugh, R.D., and Dobyns, J.H. "Carpal tunnel release in patients with diffuse peripheral neuropathy." JHS, 1987; 12A: 380-383.
Shows that diabetics etc. with CTS have a good (70%) albeit lesser chance of good outcome for CTR at the Mayo Clinic.
3. Grundberg, A.B. “Carpal tunnel decompression in spite of normal electromyography.” JHS, 1983; 8:348-9.
Shows good results in a small group of patients undergoing CTR despite normal NCS. The technique of NCS is probably yesteryear and using contemporary technique most likely most or all of these cases would have been positive.
4. Jiminez, D.F., Gibbs, S.R., Clapper, A.T., “Endoscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a critical review.” J Neurosurg, 1998; 88:817-826.
The best review article on ECTR in print. >96% desirable outcome and < 2% complication rate in 10,000 ECTR cases gleaned from the literature as of 1998. Must Read.
5. Lee, W.P.A., Plancher, K.D., and Strickland, J.W. “Carpal tunnel release with a small palmar incision.” Hand Clinics, 1996; 12.
Shows the potential for succuss using a small palmer incision without endoscopic technique. Two nerves were lacerated thus mitigating against any claim towards being safer than ECTR.
6. Nathan, P.A., Meadows, K. E., and Keniston, R.C. “Rehabilitation of carpal tunnel surgery patients using a short surgical incision and an early program of physical therapy.” JHS, 1993; 18A: 1044-1050.
Nathan, et al, try to a make a case for aggressive use of OT post op open CTR (no control group was used to prove the point). Unfortunately, without OT and its cost I have been reporting faster return to work with excellent outcomes for over 12 years.
7. Nolan III, W.B., Alkaitis, D., Glickel, S.Z., and Snow, S. “Results of treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome.” JHS, 1992; 17A: 1020-1023.
Showed that from a patients perspective good results may be achieved in most cases of severe CTS by relieving symptoms.
8. Pagnanelli, D.M. and Barrer, S.J. “Bilateral carpal tunnel release at one operation: Report of 228 Patients.” Neurosurgery, 1992; 31:6:1030-1034.
Proved the feasibility in performing bilateral open CTR in a large group of patients. Work comp status was not discussed.
9. Paine, K.W.E., and Polyzoidis, K.S. “Carpal tunnel syndrome.” J Neurosurg, 1983; 59:1031-1036.
10. Wilson, K.M. “Double incision open technique for carpal tunnel release: An alternative to endoscopic release.” JHS, 1994; 19A: 907-912.
A really silly approach to CTR for a surgeon with a pathologic fear of using ECTR. The technique works, but big deal.