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.
Keller
R B
RB
Maine Medical Assessment Foundation, Manchester 04351, USA.
Largay
A M
AM
Soule
D N
DN
Katz
J N
JN
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