Multiperspective follow-up of untreated carpal tunnel syndrome: a multicenter study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the course of untreated carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).


METHODS
The Italian CTS Study Group prospectively followed up (10 to 15 months) 196 untreated patients (274 hands) with idiopathic CTS with multiple measurements of CTS. Baseline factors were used to predict the evolution of untreated CTS in multiple regression analysis.


RESULTS
Comparison of baseline and follow-up data showed a significant spontaneous improvement of patient-oriented and neurophysiologic measurements. A significant correlation between evolution and initial severity of CTS was observed. CTS measurements improved in patients with more severe initial impairment whereas they worsened in patients with milder initial impairment. The main positive prognostic factor was short duration of symptoms. Similarly, spontaneous improvement was more frequently associated with young age. Conversely, baseline bilateral symptoms and positive Phalen predicted a poor prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Some patients with CTS improve spontaneously without surgical treatment.
Padua
L
L
Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica S.C., Rome, Italy. lpadua@mclink.it
Padua
R
R
Aprile
I
I
Pasqualetti
P
P
Tonali
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index