A prospective randomized study comparing retractor-endoscopic vs. open release of carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes

•Significantly superior results at short-term follow-up for retractor-endoscopic release in (rCTS).•Less postoperative discomfort and pain as well as the potential for earlier return to full activity and work in rCTS.•No superiority was for retractor-endoscopic cubital tunnel syndrome release (rCbTS).•Endoscopic procedure is safe as well as and effective and has the potential to achieve better results in carpal tunnel syndrome compared with conventional methods.