Introduction: Previous studies have shown that, thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR), an ultrasound-guided transverse carpal ligament (TCL) transection procedure through needle and thread, to be a safe and effective technique for carpal tunnel release, compared to an open and endoscopic technique. We developed a newly improved thread (Smartwire-01, 0.27mm in diameter, Korea). This pilot study was performed to propose the effectiveness of TCTR with Smartwire-01 compared to the commercial thread in clinical settings.
Methods: A total of 22 TCTR procedures have been performed on 19 patients by one physiatrist during a 42-month period. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was based on standard clinical criteria including electromyography (EMG). Patients were divided into two groups, one dissected with commercial thread and the other with Smartwire-01. The technique was standardized by keeping the entry point at the middle of the palm and the exit point at just medial to the palmaris longus tendon. The Numeric Rating Scale and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) were used to assess monthly outcomes for 6 months following the procedure. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Whitney-U test were performed to analyze the above variables in the two groups.
Results: There was no definite evidence that the two groups have significant differences for any of the surveyed variables. The TCTR procedure with our newly developed thread also had significant improvements for all variables, showing its effectiveness in both pain and functional ability. The NRS and BCTQ severity and functional scales showed significant decreases just after the dissection and progressive improvement during each monthly follow-up of our study until the last assessment at 6 months.
Conclusion: The study suggests that, our newly developed thread is as safe and effective as the commercial thread in TCTR, we therefore recommend a randomize controlled trial with above methodology.