249 patients scheduled for mini-open carpal tunnel release were randomized to postoperative management with either no orthosis, a removable orthosis, or cast immobilization for 10-14 days. Patients were assessed for disability, pain, function, and the incidence of complications over a 12-month follow-up. Results demonstrated no significant differences between the three groups for any outcome measure, with the exception of significantly lower lateral pinch strength among patients of the cast immobilization group compared to the other two groups at 6 and 12-month follow-up.