A Cochrane review included 33 studies. The methodological quality was fair to good. Differences in study designs and outcome measures, together with insufficient reporting, prevented statistical pooling. None of the existing alternatives to standard open carpal tunnel release seem to offer better relief from symptoms in the short- or long-term. In three studies with a total of 294 participants, endoscopic carpal tunnel release resulted in earlier return to work or activities of daily living than open carpal tunnel release, with a weighted mean difference of -6 days (95% CI -9 to -3 days).
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (inadequate or unclear allocation concealment) and by by inconsistency (heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes).