Maine Carpal Tunnel Study: small area variations.
As is the case for all elective procedures, small area variations occur in rates of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. A 1993 analysis of Maine data demonstrates that carpal tunnel release rates across population-based service areas varied 3.5-fold, from 0.82 to 2.87 per thousand. Four areas had rates significantly higher and 2 were significantly lower than the state average of 1.44 per thousand. Among many potential factors influencing variations, physician practice patterns appear to be the major contributor.
Maine Medical Assessment Foundation, Manchester 04351, USA.
R B
RB
Keller
A M
AM
Largay
D N
DN
Soule
J N
JN
Katz
D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008281:Maine / Q000453:epidemiology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D017062:Small-Area Analysis