Clinical study of pillar pain after carpal tunnel release

Abstract

Objective To investigate the causes of postoperative pillar pain after carpal tunnel release.Methods From December 2006 to October 2008, 27 patients (30 sides) with carpal tunnel syndrome were treated with conventional open carpal tunnel release surgery (OCTR). Postoperatively the area of pillar pain was measured and function of the affected wrist evaluated. Results Postoperative follow-up period ranged from 10 to 30 months. Eleven patients had pillar numbness around the surgical incision, while 8 patients had unilateral or bilateral pillar pain. Conclusion The area of pillar pain or pillar numbness was positively correlated to the length of surgical incision. The presence or absence of pillar pain should not be considered as a standard to assess the effectiveness of OCTR. There is no association between the type of incision and the occurrence of pillar pain. Key words: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Surgical procedures,operative; Pillar pain