Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery a Winner

It is good news when patients remain symptom-free and report satisfaction 13 years after undergoing a procedure. That is the case with most patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Dexter L. Louie, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and colleagues assessed the functional and symptomatic outcomes of 113 patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release from 1996 to 2000. The procedure on all of the patients was performed by the same surgeon. The follow-up was conducted at an average of 13 years after surgery, using validated, self-administered questionnaires. Levine-Katz symptom and function scores ranged from 1 point (best) to 5 points (worst).

The researchers found that the mean Levine-Katz symptom score was 1.3 points. The most common symptom-related complaint was weakness in the hand, followed by diurnal pain, numbness, and tingling. Nocturnal pain and tenderness at the incision were the least common symptoms. The majority of patients (88%) were completely or very satisfied with the surgery, with 74% reporting complete resolution of symptoms. More men than women had poor function (33% versus 23%) and two patients had repeat surgery.

The authors wrote, “Our results suggest that the long-term results of open carpal tunnel release are excellent, with patients experiencing consistent pain relief over 10 to 15 years.”