Functional outcomes post carpal tunnel release: a modified replication of a previous study.
METHODS
Exploratory cohort study.


BACKGROUND
To compares the outcome of self-administered questionnaires and physical measures in assessing change in function for participants after carpal tunnel surgery.


METHODS
The self-administered questionnaires were the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (CTQ), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Short Form-36. The physical measures were grip, pinch, range of motion, sensibility, and dexterity. Twenty-nine participants from five hand clinics were enrolled in the study.


RESULTS
The results revealed that self-administered questionnaires were sensitive to change in function and three of ten physical measures showed a change in function.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors concluded that select physical measures coupled with a disease-specific assessment, such as the CTQ and a region-specific questionnaire, such as the DASH would result in a comprehensive assessment of outcomes. This combination of assessments provides both physical measures of recovery and measures of perceived level of function.


METHODS
4.
Appleby
Mary Ann
MA
Dallas Hand Rehabilitation, Dallas, Texas, USA. dhandrehab@aol.com
Neville-Smith
Marsha
M
Parrott
Melissa W
MW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012677:Sensation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires