We introduced a new surgical option (synovectomy only of flexor tendons without carpal tunnel release) for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome in 11 patients, for which open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) are popular surgical treatments. Our technique aims to decrease carpal tunnel content, but OCTR and ECTR aim to increase carpal tunnel volume. In this study, carpal tunnel pressures, clinical evaluations, electrophysiological evaluations and duration to return to work were investigated. A pressure transducer has been substituted for the median nerve in the tunnel to register sizable pressure when tension was applied to the flexor digitorum tendon (FDS and FDP) during active power grip. The operation was ended after sufficient decompression was acquired. Our technique showed were or less the same decompression effects as ECTR. All patients showed clinical and electrophysiological improvements after operation and were able to return to work earlier. No complications were seen. However, this is a short term result, so further consecutive study may need to be considered.
