Functional Outcomes Post Carpal Tunnel Release: A Modified Replication of a Previous Study

Abstract 

Study design

Exploratory cohort study.

Introduction

To compares the outcome of self-administered questionnaires and physical measures in assessing change in function for participants after carpal tunnel surgery.

Methods

The self-administered questionnaires were the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (CTQ), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Short Form-36. The physical measures were grip, pinch, range of motion, sensibility, and dexterity. Twenty-nine participants from five hand clinics were enrolled in the study.

Results

The results revealed that self-administered questionnaires were sensitive to change in function and three of ten physical measures showed a change in function.

Conclusions

The authors concluded that select physical measures coupled with a disease-specific assessment, such as the CTQ and a region-specific questionnaire, such as the DASH would result in a comprehensive assessment of outcomes. This combination of assessments provides both physical measures of recovery and measures of perceived level of function.

Level of Evidence

4.