Outcomes of Open Carpal Tunnel Release at a Minimum of Ten Years

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume 2013, Vol.95 (12), p.1067-1073
• Main Authors: Louie, Dexter L., BA, Earp, Brandon E., MD, Black, Eric M., MD, Simmons, Barry P., MD, Blazar, Philip E., MD, Katz, Jeffrey N., MD, Collins, Jamie E., MA, Losina, Elena, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Orthopedics
• ISSN: 0021-9355
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9355(13)72286-0

Background There is little research on the long-term outcomes of open carpal tunnel release. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the functional and symptomatic outcomes of patients at a minimum of ten years postoperatively. Methods Two hundred and eleven patients underwent open carpal tunnel release from 1996 to 2000 performed by the same hand fellowship-trained surgeon. Follow-up with validated self-administered questionnaire instruments was conducted an average of thirteen years after surgery. The principal outcomes included the Levine-Katz symptom and function scores, ranging from 1 point (best) to 5 points (worst), and satisfaction with the results of surgery. The patients self-reported current comorbidities. Results After a mean follow-up of thirteen years (range, eleven to seventeen years), 92% (194) of 211 patients were located. They included 140 who were still living and fifty-four who had died. Seventy-two percent (113) of the 157 located, surviving patients responded to the questionnaire. The mean Levine-Katz symptom score (and standard deviation) was 1.3 ± 0.5 points, and 13% of patients had a poor symptom score (≥2 points). The mean Levine-Katz function score was 1.6 ± 0.8 points, and 26% had a poor function score (≥2 points). The most common symptom-related complaint was weakness in the hand, followed by diurnal pain, numbness, and tingling. The least common symptoms were nocturnal pain and tenderness at the incision. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were either completely satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. Seventy-four percent reported their symptoms to be completely resolved. Thirty-three percent of men were classified as having poor function compared with 23% of women. Two (1.8%) of 113 patients underwent repeat surgery. Conclusions At an average of thirteen years after open carpal tunnel release, the majority of patients are satisfied and free of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.