Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to determine safety, functional and symptomatic efficacy of median nerve release by mini incision at middle palmar region in patients diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Methods: Carpal tunnel release by mini-incision at the mid-palmar region in 74 hands of 63 patients were performed at Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Tavas State Hospital between January 2011 and October 2011. Patients were evaluated by Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, grip strength and pinch strength measurements and patient satisfaction preoperatively and at postoperative 3rd month. The pre- and postoperative mean values for these assessment criteria were statistically analysed by Wilcoxon test and t-test.
Results: At postoperative evaluation, there was statistically significant increase in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, grip strength and pinch strength measurements and patient satisfaction compared with preoperative values. Pillar pain was present in 94.5% of patients. No complications other than pillar pain were encountered.
Conclusion: Decompression of median nerve by mini-incision at the mid-palmar region protects the cutaneous branches of ulnar and median nerves, and it is a safe, effective and easy applicable method.

Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, mini-incision, decompression