Clinical analysis of the correlation between preoperative severity and duration of symptoms and the outcomes of carpal tunnel decompression

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between the severity and duration of preoperative symptoms and the outcomes of carpal tunnel release in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods Forty patients of carpal tunnel syndrome treated from January 2013 to June 2014 were divided into two groups, namely symptom severity group and symptom duration group, based on the severity and duration of the symptoms. Postoperative recovery of these patients was assessed using carpal tunnel syndrome evaluation criteria after standard carpal tunnel release. The excellent and good recovery rate in each group was calculated. The distribution of excellent and good recovery was analyzed. Results In symptom severity groups the excellent and good recovery rate was 95.83% in the moderate group and 92.31% in the severe group. The difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). However distribution of the recovery was quite different, showing more excellent recovery in the moderate group and more good recovery in the severe group. In symptom duration groups the recovery rates were not significantly different(P>0.05). Functional recovery of opposition was the best, followed by sensory recovery. Grip strength recovery was the poorest. Conclusion Preoperative duration of the symptoms does not affect the surgical outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Surgical release can greatly improve functions in both moderate and severe carpal tunnel syndrome cases although better recovery is seen in moderate cases. Thumb opposition recovers the best, while grip strength recovery is the poorest. Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Treatment outcome; Symptom duration; Symptom severity