Long-Term Outcomes and Mortality Following Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients over 80 Years of Age

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the long-term patient-reported outcomes of carpal tunnel release (CTR) in patients 80 years of age or older, and (2) to determine the long-term mortality rate of this population after CTR. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 96 patients who underwent CTR at 80 years of age or older from July 2008 to June 2013. Mortality was assessed by medical records, the Social Security Death Index, and telephone contact. Living patients were contacted for long-term follow-up, and functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results The mean age of the 96 patients at time of CTR was 84.1 years, including 89 octogenarians and 7 nonagenarians, and 67% were female. At an average of 9 years from surgery, the mortality rate of our cohort was 53% (51 out of 96 patients). Five patients died within one year after CTR; no factor associated with early mortality after CTR was identified in the bivariate analysis. Telephone follow-up at an average of 9 years after CTR was available for 15 patients. Mean BCTQ symptom severity score was 1.6 points, mean BCTQ functional status score was 1.8 points, mean QuickDASH score was 27.9, and mean satisfaction was 7.1. Eighty percent of patients reported that they would rechoose CTR. Conclusions There are long-term benefits from CTR in patients 80 years of age or older. The mortality rate of this cohort mirrors that of the general population, and CTR is justified in this elderly age group both for the magnitude and duration of treatment effect.