Clinical Results of Carpal Tunnel Release Using Ultrasound Guidance in Over 100 Patients at Two to Six Years

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the clinical results of carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance (CTR-US) at a minimum of 2 years post-procedure. MethodsThe study consisted of 102 patients (162 hands) treated with CTR-US by the same physician between June 2017 and October 2020 for whom minimum 2-year follow-up data were available. Questionnaires were sent to gather long-term information, with additional phone calls for clarification if needed. Outcomes included Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity (BCTQ-SSS) and functional status (BCTQ-FSS) scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QDASH) scores, global satisfaction scores, and subsequent surgeries. ResultsThe 102 patients included 68 females and 34 males with a mean age of 56.9 years at the time of surgery. Fifty-five (53.9%) patients had simultaneous bilateral procedures, 42 (41.2%) had unilateral procedures, and 5 (4.9%) had staged bilateral procedures. Significant improvements in BCTQ-SSS, BCTQ-FSS, and QDASH scores persisted at a mean final follow-up of 46 months (range 2-6 years). At final follow-up, 91.2% of patients reported satisfaction with the procedure. No outcomes were significantly different between those treated with simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral procedures. No revision surgeries were reported. ConclusionsCTR-US is a safe and effective procedure that results in significant improvements that persist up to 6 years post-procedure. Long-term results of simultaneous bilateral and unilateral procedures are similar. Level of EvidenceIV therapeutic