Symptomatic relief is less after surgery for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome compared with primary median nerve decompression

Abstract

Objectives Carpal tunnel release (CTR), the golden standard treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is beneficial for the majority of patients, but up to 25% may have a less satisfactory outcome and require additional surgery. The aim of this study was to compare outcome after reoperation for CTS with outcome after primary CTR. Methods In a retrospective study, September 2009 to February 2011, data were collected from patients’ medical journals, preoperative health declarations and QuickDASH questionnaires, pre- and one-year postoperatively. 20 patients re-operated due to recurrent or persistent CTS were identified and compared to 493 patients who had undergone primary nerve decompression. Results Preoperatively, the re-operated patients had a higher median nerve sensory conduction velocity at wrist level (38 [33-45] vs. 31 [22–38] m/s; p