Functional outcome following open carpal tunnel release

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most commonly reported upper limb neuropathy, and occurs due to median nerve entrapment in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Open carpal tunnel release is the most accepted treatment modality and offers good results. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the functional outcome following open carpal tunnel release. Materials and methods: This is an institutional based prospective interventional study conducted at Dr RML Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. 100 patients with Carpal Tunnel syndrome, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were treated with open carpal tunnel release. Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was based upon clinical features and physical examination. Preoperative radiographs, nerve conduction velocity and relevant blood investigations were performed. Patients were followed up postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Relevant statistical analysis of the data was done. Results: The study had 100 subjects with the mean age of 42.82 ± 14.68 years. 52% in our group were females and 48% males. Bilateral hand involved was seen in 82% of cases and 18% were unilateral. Dominant hand involvement was seen in 36% of cases, non dominant involvement in 40% of cases and both hand equally involved in 24% of cases. 32% of patients had associated hypothyroidism and 22% had associated Rheumatoid arthritis. Preoperative and 6 months postoperative Quick-Dash scores revealed significant improvement. Conclusion: Outcomes following open Carpal Tunnel release are very encouraging in terms of functional results as well as patient satisfaction. Quick dash score can be considered as a reliable and valuable tool for evaluating the outcome following surgery in the upper extremity. All the subjects showed a considerable improvement in the score after our procedure.