Top

HAND

Published in:

01-09-2012 | Review Articles of Topics

Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature

Authors: Dexter Louie, Brandon Earp, Philip Blazar

Published in: HAND | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

Background

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is widely accepted as an effective surgical treatment method for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. While the short-term literature is well substantiated, the “long-term” literature has rarely exceeded 2 years of follow-up, which may be inadequate for a chronic and potentially recurring disease such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

An English language literature search for long-term outcomes research on carpal tunnel release was made. Long-term is defined as 2 years or more after surgery.

Results

CTR is a highly effective procedure, but important aspects remain poorly understood, including recurrence and existing electromyographic data. Some study design issues exist with the current literature.

Conclusions

Further high-quality research is needed.

Atroshi I, Hofer M, Larsson GU, et al. Open compared with 2-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. J Hand Surg Am. 2009;34:266–72.PubMedCrossRef

Brown RA, Gelberman RH, Seiler 3rd JG, et al. Carpal tunnel release. A prospective, randomized assessment of open and endoscopic methods. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993;75:1265–75.PubMed

Buch-Jaeger N, Foucher G. Correlation of clinical signs with nerve conduction tests in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Br. 1994;19:720–4.PubMed

Cellocco P, Rossi C, Bizzarri F, et al. Mini-open blind procedure versus limited open technique for carpal tunnel release: a 30-month follow-up study. J Hand Surg Am. 2005;30:493–9.PubMedCrossRef

Cresswell TR, Heras-Palou C, Bradley MJ, et al. Long-term outcome after carpal tunnel decompression—a prospective randomised study of the Indiana Tome and a standard limited palmar incision. J Hand Surg Eur. 2008;33:332–6.

Dahlin LB, Salo M, Thomsen N, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome and treatment of recurrent symptoms. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 2010;44:4–11.PubMed

Erhard L, Ozalp T, Citron N, et al. Carpal tunnel release by the Agee endoscopic technique. Results at 4 year follow-up. J Hand Surg Br. 1999;24:583–5.PubMedCrossRef

Ferdinand RD, MacLean JG. Endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel release in bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. A prospective, randomised, blinded assessment. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2002;84:375–9.PubMedCrossRef

Finestone HM, Woodbury GM, Collavini T, et al. Severe carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical and electrodiagnostic outcome of surgical and conservative treatment. Muscle Nerve. 1996;19:237–9.PubMedCrossRef

10.

Hankins CL, Brown MG, Lopez RA, et al. A 12-year experience using the Brown two-portal endoscopic procedure of transverse carpal ligament release in 14,722 patients: defining a new paradigm in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;120:1911–21.PubMedCrossRef

11.

Haupt WF, Wintzer G, Schop A, et al. Long-term results of carpal tunnel decompression. Assessment of 60 cases. J Hand Surg Br. 1993;18:471–4.PubMedCrossRef

12.

Jacobsen MB, Rahme H. A prospective, randomized study with an independent observer comparing open carpal tunnel release with endoscopic carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Br. 1996;21:202–4.PubMed

13.

Kabuto Y, Senda M, Hashizume H, et al. Time course changes of nerve conduction velocity in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome after endoscopic surgery. Acta Med Okayama. 2001;55:185–91.PubMed

14.

Katz JN, Fossel KK, Simmons BP, et al. Symptoms, functional status, and neuromuscular impairment following carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Am. 1995;20:549–55.PubMedCrossRef

15.

Katz JN, Keller RB, Simmons BP, et al. Maine Carpal Tunnel Study: outcomes of operative and nonoperative therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome in a community-based cohort. J Hand Surg Am. 1998;23:697–710.PubMedCrossRef

16.

Kouyoumdjian JA, Morita MP, Molina AF, et al. Long-term outcomes of symptomatic electrodiagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2003;61:194–8.PubMedCrossRef

17.

Kulick MI, Gordillo G, Javidi T, et al. Long-term analysis of patients having surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am. 1986;11:59–66.PubMed

18.

Nancollas MP, Peimer CA, Wheeler DR, et al. Long-term results of carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Br. 1995;20:470–4.PubMedCrossRef

19.

Nolan 3rd WB, Alkaitis D, Glickel SZ, et al. Results of treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am. 1992;17:1020–3.PubMedCrossRef

20.

Pensy RA, Burke FD, Bradley MJ, et al. A 6-year outcome of patients who cancelled carpal tunnel surgery. J Hand Surg Eur. 2011;36:642–7.

21.

Schlagenhauff RE, Glasauer FE. Pre- and postoperative electromyographic evaluations in the carpal tunnel syndrome. J Neurosurg. 1971;35:314–9.PubMedCrossRef

22.

Semple JC, Cargill AO. Carpal-tunnel syndrome. Results of surgical decompression. Lancet. 1969;1:918–9.PubMedCrossRef

23.

Trumble TE, Diao E, Abrams RA, et al. Single-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared with open release: a prospective, randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002;84-A:1107–15.PubMed

Title: Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Dexter Louie
Brandon Earp
Philip Blazar
Publication date: 01-09-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: HAND / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 1558-9447
Electronic ISSN: 1558-9455
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-012-9429-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Long-term outcomes of carpal tunnel release: a critical review of the literature

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 3/2012

Should we stop oral anticoagulants in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The emotive impact of medical language

Subungual tumors

What were the adverse events for Dupuytren’s patients treated with Xiaflex who had contractures less than 20°?

Blastomycotic extensor tenosynovitis of the hand: a case report

Complete digital amputations undergoing replantation surgery: a 10-year retrospective study