Carpal tunnel release: efficacy and recurrence rate after a limited incision release.
We retrospectively studied the postoperative outcomes of 51 patients treated for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome by method of a limited incision carpal tunnel release. Patients were assessed to determine: 1) palmar tenderness, 2) scar tenderness, 3) relief of symptoms, 4) complications, and 5) recurrence. Short-term follow-up included patient evaluations at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 10 weeks; a mean of 2.5 years of follow-up also was obtained. Postoperatively, nocturnal symptoms resolved by the 2-week visit. Palmar tenderness was noted as minimal or absent between the 4-week and 10-week visits in 47 of the 51 patients (92%). Symptom and function scores improved from 4.24 and 4.00 preoperatively to 1.18 and 1.19 postoperatively. At a mean of 2.5 years after surgery, none of the patients reported recurrent symptoms.
Ruch
David Simms
DS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1070, USA. druch@wfubmc.edu
Seal
Charles N
CN
Bliss
Matthew Scott
MS
Smith
Beth Paterson
BP
D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome