Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The use of ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release (US-Guided CTR) is a cost-effective, less invasive solution for carpal tunnel syndrome but lacks comprehensive previously reported outcomes. This report adds to existing literature of one-year outcomes following US-Guided CTR by a single surgeon. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included patients having undergone US-Guided CTR between September 2017 and October 2020. As part of the standard of care, patients were mailed surveys at one-year postsurgery, with 183 of 300 (61%) surveys returned and included in data analysis. Incomplete postoperative clinic notes were present in seven patients, but the surveys were included in data analysis. Pre- and two-week post-operative clinical outcomes were collected and one-year patient-reported outcomes included Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Function (BCTQ-F) and Symptom (BCTQ-S) scores, PROMIS Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) scores, and satisfaction ratings (1 = very unsatisfied, 5 = very satisfied). RESULTS: Overall, the average age was 65.1 ± 12.7 years and 82 (44.8%) patients were male. Prior to operations, clinical symptoms included pain (100%), numbness (99.5%), and night pain (98.4%). At two weeks postoperation, 173/175 (98.9%) patients had full range of motion and 168/176 (95.5%) had no residual sensory deficits. No complications, reoperations, or pillar pain occurrences were noted. One-year postoperative outcomes included: BCTQ-S = 1.7 ± 0.8, BCTQ-F = 1.6 ± 0.8, GPH = 49.5 ± 8.8, GMH = 51.4 ± 8.5, and 85% of patients reported “satisfied” or “very satisfied.” CONCLUSION: With proper surgical training, US-Guided CTR is a feasible option for carpal tunnel syndrome and provides early recovery and good patient outcomes.