title: Pre-operative factors and treatment outcome following carpal tunnel release.
abstract: The outcome of carpal tunnel release was evaluated retrospectively in 60 hands of 53 patients followed for six to 33 months (median ten months). Outcome was considered good in 27% (pain, weakness, and numbness were essentially resolved); fair in 42% (most of the symptoms improved); and poor in 32% (symptoms persisted or worsened). Patients whose pre-operative work activity was considered physically strenuous were associated with a slightly but significantly poorer outcome (60% good or fair) compared to those in light work or with no employment (89% good or fair). Proportionately fewer patients returned to their original work when they previously engaged in strenuous activity, ranging from 27% for those using air guns to 80% in light work. It appears that the highest chance of a poor outcome from carpal tunnel release occurs in patients who have either associated symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome or physically strenuous work activities.
authors.affiliation: Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Micro Surgery, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors.forename: G Z
authors.initials: GZ
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Firrell
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology